Since 2011, the Mark Leonard Trust has developed a ‘Portfolio’ approach to its giving, striking up longer-term relationships with its members, and seeking to support them in ways which go beyond funding.
11 organisations have been part of the Portfolio so far. They are funded for up to ten years, with tailored support focussing on organisational development. This could include developing IT systems, helping with fundraising strategies, and producing HR or safeguarding policies. A key aspect of the Portfolio is its gatherings, providing opportunities for members to connect and share knowledge, with conversations stimulated by good food and keynote talks from thought leaders. The long-term commitment made by the Trust engenders a spirit of trust and openness, which allows members to share the good and the bad, making it easier for the Trust to understand their real needs and challenges.
Two examples of Portfolio members are Chefs in Schools and Paraorchestra & Friends. Chefs in Schools was founded in 2018 by Henry Dimbleby, who had the idea of recruiting a restaurant chef to take over the kitchen at his children’s state school in Hackney. Top London chef Nicole Pisani was recruited and set about providing fresh, nutritious food within budget.
Now, Chefs in Schools works out of 57 schools, transforming the lives of chefs and the diets of thousands of schoolchildren. It also campaigns for better school meals and more sustainable public food procurement. Through Portfolio support, Chefs in Schools’ executive team undertook leadership training to steer the organisation into a new chapter as it emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Founded in 2011 and performing to the world at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics, Paraorchestra is a world-first orchestra championing professional disabled musicians, led by renowned conductor Charles Hazlewood.
Whether marching a 70-piece pop ensemble through small towns, headlining a main stage at Glastonbury, or presenting immersive symphonic performances, Paraorchestra is engaging new audiences with unique sonic experiences, and campaigning to unlock more creative opportunities for disabled musicians across the sector.
There have been enraptured audiences at iconic venues such as the Wales Millennium Centre, the Barbican Centre, and the inaugural performance at the refurbished Bristol Beacon venue. Through Portfolio support, Paraorchestra have developed innovative employment policies which support and encourage more people who identify as disabled to apply for roles at the organisation.
Being part of the Portfolio has supported Paraorchestra and Chefs in Schools to develop innovative ideas into stable organisations, which are now working to change people’s lives.
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