The Elevate Forum to Tackle Funding Barriers for Faith Communities

In a world where faith and finance often seem at odds, a new initiative seeks to bridge the gap by addressing the financial challenges faced by underserved communities. This effort highlights the importance of faith-based organizations in reshaping economic opportunities for those marginalized by mainstream structures.

For centuries, religious communities have played a pivotal role in addressing social issues, from feeding the hungry to providing shelter for the homeless. However, they have been slower to claim their place in economic discussions due to a lack of structural support. The economic environments where decisions are made have often excluded these groups, leaving the communities they serve at a disadvantage.

The Unequal Financial Landscape

According to the British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2025/26 report, ethnic minority-led businesses in the UK show stronger growth ambitions than their white-led counterparts. While 71% of ethnic minority entrepreneurs aim for significant growth, only 40% of their white peers share that aspiration. Despite a greater willingness to use finance—52% compared to 35%—many face challenges in securing it. For black entrepreneurs, 59% expect difficulties in obtaining funding.

With gross SME lending reaching £68 billion in 2025, the capital exists, but access remains uneven. Faith-based organizations, like ethnic minority entrepreneurs, encounter similar institutional barriers in accessing grants and social investments. They often lack the formal track records required by funders and serve areas that traditional finance finds hard to evaluate.

Responding to the Need: The Elevate Forum

Recognizing these challenges, the Men’s Fellowship of RCCG House of Praise has launched The Elevate Forum. This annual event kicks off on 25 April 2026 at The Ark Pavilion in Birmingham. It brings together entrepreneurs, professionals, charity leaders, and funders to discuss “Unlocking Funding Opportunities for Businesses and Charities,” with plans to explore other leadership and growth topics in future sessions.

The Elevate Forum is aimed at fostering dialogue between those in need of funding and potential funders. Unlike a typical church event, it is a civic initiative that leverages the trust built by faith communities in underserved areas to facilitate honest discussions about necessary changes in the funding landscape.

Engaging the Broader Church Community

Open to all and free of charge, The Elevate Forum invites the wider church community to participate. Congregations with entrepreneurs, charity workers, and community leaders are encouraged to attend, as the event is tailored for those addressing the challenges of building in an unequal system.

The initiative reflects the gospel’s enduring commitment to justice and practical liberation for those neglected by existing systems. On 25 April in Birmingham, this vision will be put into action, with hopes of broad participation and support.

Temitayo Fatunmishe is President of the Men’s Fellowship RCCG House of Praise and lead organiser of The Elevate Forum.