Action for Race Equality (ARE) has launched Cohort 2 of its UPLIFT Programme, a 12‑month capacity‑building initiative designed to strengthen the sustainability, leadership, and influence of Black, Asian, and Mixed Heritage‑led organisations across London. UPLIFT offers 21 hours of 1‑to‑1 consultancy, expert‑led workshops and peer learning focused on areas such as governance, finance, communications, policy, and ethical uses of AI.  The programme supports grassroots organisations working in criminal justice, employment, education and youth sectors.

The programme will combine leadership development, bespoke consultancy, and action learning workshops, ensuring participants gain the tools, networks, and confidence needed to deliver lasting change in their communities.

Successful organisations joining Cohort Two will receive support, including:

• 21 hours of bespoke 1‑to‑1 consultancy with experienced ARE Associates.
• Expert led group learning workshops on priority areas such as:
  • Governance and leadership
  • Diversifying income and bid writing
  • Communications and storytelling
  • Monitoring, evaluation and impact
  • Ethical and practical uses of AI
  • Policy and influencing
• Action learning and peer support, creating a trusted space to share challenges and solutions.
• A co‑designed approach, ensuring the programme continues to reflect participant needs rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all model.

• Applications open: 7 May 2026
• Applications close: 5pm on 15 June 2026
• Mandatory induction session: Wednesday 24 June 2026