One World Together is transforming how community organisations around the world can access funding. The initiative was born out of frustration with the existing system, which often privileges large organisations while creating high costs and barriers for smaller groups.

One World Together provides sustainable and flexible funding for community organisations that are working on the frontline of social issues. These partners address challenges ranging from homelessness to youth unemployment and are based across the globe.

The Global Citizens for Change initiative allows individuals to contribute from £1.25 per month, with all contributions pooled into a Solidarity Fund. This money provides sustainable, no-strings-attached support by funding organisations rather than individual projects, giving groups greater freedom in how they use their resources. Partners have used this funding to respond to crises, deepen their impact, and invest in new strategic priorities, including advocacy work.

Together, these donations show how collective generosity can have a tangible, long-term impact to communities worldwide. Global citizens have sent more than £11,000 of flexible funding to community partners so far.

In May 2025 the initiative received a Making a Difference Award for outstanding contribution to social and environmental impact through entrepreneurship.

When asked about winning a Making a Difference award, University of Manchester academic, Professor Nicola Banks, who set-up the initiative said: “Quite simply, it means the world to us. One World Together would not exist if it weren’t for the University of Manchester. This includes our decades of research on the challenges of the traditional aid system.

“But it also includes its belief and investments in social responsibility, its pride in supporting innovations that can drive real-world impact, and the Global Development Institute students that have supported and been part of its journey at every step of the way. To be recognised for our successes with a prestigious Making a Difference Awards in our first two years is also a belief in our future. That we can change the world – together.”

• Find out more about the project here.