Our approach

 

Our ‘More Than Money’ approach combines funding with tailored support, encouraging Partners to lead their own development.

We form partnerships with organisations with a clear charitable purpose, led by people who are passionate about what they do and want to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Our partnerships begin with listening. We take time to understand each Partner, creating space for leaders to step back, reflect and think strategically about what matters most.

From there, we work together to identify priorities and connect Partners with the right support at the right time.

Find out if your organisation is eligible for The Pearce Foundation’s support

Take our Eligibility Quiz
“What makes the Pearce Foundation truly unique and valuable is the time they take to understand each charity’s individual challenges and needs, tailoring their support to fit us, rather than expecting us to fit their model.”
— Cathy Chesson, Flourish Mentors
A woman with short, styled hair, wearing a green jacket and red earrings, is sitting on a couch taking notes with a pen and notebook. She is engaged in a conversation with a person whose curly black hair is visible in the foreground. The room has shelves with decorative objects and a vase with flowers in the background.

Leadership

We really get to know our Partners: their strengths, priorities, hopes and fears, and create space to step back, reflect, gain perspective and work on, not just in, their organisation.

  • People are at the heart of every partnership. We know that leading a small organisation can be hard, so our support focuses on the person behind the organisation as well as the work they do.

    We help leaders recognise and build on their strengths, while being mindful of their wellbeing, wider commitments and what they need to sustain themselves along the way.

    We’re here to walk alongside our Partners, sharing their journey and championing them every step of the way, with professionalism, enthusiasm and good humour.

Four women sitting around a table enjoying a meal in a bright room with large windows. The table is covered with a butterfly-patterned tablecloth and has various foods and drinks including bread, salad, and beverages. There are decorative items on the table and a background of green outdoor scenery visible through the windows.

Organisations

We take time to understand each organisation: its strengths, challenges and priorities for the future. Together, we identify where support can make the greatest difference to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.

  • Charity leaders juggle a lot, and with so much to do, it can be difficult to know what to prioritise.

    We use a simple tool to help Partners step back, look at their organisation as a whole and identify the areas where support could make the greatest difference.

    From there, we provide opportunities to learn from our network of Skill-Sharers, accessing practical expertise and support to help turn priorities into action.

Group of people posing together indoors, smiling, and waving at the camera.

Community

We bring Partners together for the benefit of the community: encouraging collaborative working with other organisations to share expertise, resources and expand the sector’s capacity for positive change.

  • We believe everyone has something to contribute and something to learn. Through regular peer support sessions, Partners share experiences, ideas and challenges, supporting one another and being reminded that they’re not alone.

    We also create opportunities for Partners to connect and collaborate with other not-for-profit organisations and local businesses, sharing expertise, resources and ideas for mutual benefit.

    By bringing people together, we’re able to strengthen relationships, spark new opportunities and increase our collective capacity to make a positive difference in our communities.

A timeline of support

Our support programme for new Partners takes place over nine months (February - October), throughout which Partners will receive:

  • Regular 1-to-1 check-ins to reflect, share challenges, celebrate progress and stay focused on what matters most.

  • Regular peer support sessions to connect, learn, share experiences, and support one another.

  • Opportunities for co-working sessions, both in person and online.

    • Shortlisted applicants invited to an informal meeting with Jane and our Trustees.

    • Opportunity to explore whether the partnership feels like a good fit.

    • Final Partner decisions made.

    • Onboarding & Partnership Agreement: Establish the foundations & setting expectations of how we'll work together

    • We start with you, because without you, there is no organisation.

    • Explore what motivated you to start the organisation, your strengths, hopes and aspirations.

    • Consider your wellbeing, wider commitments and what's important to you outside the organisation.

    • Use simple tools, (life Wheel and DISC) to explore strengths, communication and leadership style.

    • Step back and look at your organisation as a whole.

    • Explore your vision, mission, Theory of Change and strategy.

    • Use our Charity Wheel to consider eight key areas of organisational development and identify what matters most

    • Agree priorities and goals 

    • Match with one of our Skill-Sharers for tailored specialist support 

    • Access relevant resources, training and other opportunities where needed 

    • Summer break and some breathing space before the final stage of the programme.

    • Take stock of progress and identify what still needs to happen to meet your goals.

    • Access further Skill-Sharer support, resources or learning where needed.

    • Reflect on what has changed and what you've achieved during the partnership.

    • Evaluate your experience and help us understand how we can continue to improve the support we offer

    • Final peer support session to reflect and celebrate.

    • Help prepare for the next steps: what do you want to build on and what will help you get there?

Growing alongside you

Our vision is to grow alongside our Partners so our relationship continues after the nine-month programme finishes.

Opportunity to check-in with Jane the following year (up to three times) and invited to re-apply every other year through our three-stage grant-making programme.

Apply for support

What our charity partners say

  • Quote about the impact of the Pearce Foundation, emphasizing support, growth, and values such as kindness, inclusivity, and empowerment.

    ~ Flourish Mentors

  • Quote about gratitude for support from Pearce Foundation and navigating charity amid challenging climate conditions.

    ~ Andy's Angels

  • Quote on a beige background with a large quotation mark at the top. The quote thanks someone for help with planning and strategic review, expressing confidence and appreciation.

    ~ Community Supporters

  • Quote about the Pearce Foundation helping focus on individual issues and future planning.

    ~ Pass It On Community Fridge

  • Quote about the Pearce Foundation on a beige background with a yellow circle at the top containing dark quotation marks.

    ~ Flourish Mentors

  • Inspirational quote about charity and compassion on a green background with a gold quotation mark icon at the top.

    ~ Wellbody Wellmind Wellbeing

Take our Eligibility Quiz