Grassroots Run Deep

Applications opening in March 2026

What is it?

Grassroots Run Deep is our programme designed to equip UK-based Black and racialised activists and grassroots leaders with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to formalise, sustain, and grow their work – on their own terms.

At Spark, we know that communities of colour are often the first to respond to systemic injustice – and the least supported in doing so. 

This programme is grounded in the realities of navigating the UK’s social impact sector as racialised people. It doesn’t promise a “right” way to operate, but instead offers a practical, anti-racist roadmap to help you make informed, strategic decisions about your work, your well-being, and your next steps.

Who is it for?

We welcome participation from:

  • Grassroots community leaders and organisers from Black and racialised backgrounds making change in the UK
  • Individuals or groups already doing community-focused work in the UK and considering whether and how to formalise
  • People navigating structural barriers who want clear, honest information and a supportive learning space.

Whether you’re a long-standing organiser or just beginning your journey, this programme is for you if you want to build sustainable community impact in the face of systemic inequality.

What does it cover?

Grassroots Run Deep is made up of six self-paced online learning modules.

  1. Welcome: This module welcomes you to the course and helps you clarify who you are, what change you’re working towards, and where this programme fits in your journey before moving forward.
  2. The Social Impact Landscape: Understand the charity, funding, and social impact sectors – who’s who, what to watch out for, and where power lies.
  3. Laws of Social Impact Land: This module explores the rules, power structures and legal frameworks that shape what’s possible, including who makes and enforces the rules, the laws affecting organisations, and different legal structures.
  4. Currency and Resourcing: This module explores how money and power flow, and helps you choose the right financial tools to support your work.
  5. Support and Networks: This module explores why you don’t build change alone, and helps you understand how to identify stakeholders and collaborators, and build the right mix of organisational, leadership, wellbeing and sector support around you.
  6. Storytelling and Impact Management: This module helps you clarify your impact and communicate the difference your work makes.
What else is included?

Live sessions: Alongside the modules, we offer three facilitated online sessions, at the beginning, midpoint, and end to help you:

  • Connect with other grassroots leaders
  • Ask questions and share reflections
  • Learn from guest speakers and case studies
  • Build a supportive peer network.

Activities and Quizzes: Each module includes reflection exercises and quizzes to help deepen your understanding and apply learning to your own context.

Resource Bank: You’ll also get access to a growing library of additional resources – articles, videos, and research to explore in your own time.

By the end of this programme, we hope you’ll have gained:

  • A clearer understanding of the UK’s social impact sector and its systems
  • Knowledge of legal and financial structures that could support your work
  • Knowledge of income generation and fundraising models to help fund your work
  • Greater confidence in navigating choices for your community work
  • Peer connections and networks of solidarity
  • Resources and tools to support your ongoing journey.
Ready to begin?

We’re excited to launch the first cohort of Grassroots Run Deep in Spring 2026!

👉 Complete the “Is it right for you” quiz
Take two minutes to find out if this is right for you, and how you can apply.

We created Grassroots Run Deep because we’ve been where you are – trying to make change while navigating a system that wasn’t built for us. This programme is about naming those challenges and helping you move through them with information, community, and care.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we believe that clarity is power, and your vision is your North Star. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place.

Explore our work