Black-led organisations are being restricted by unequal access to funding, governance constraints and financial barriers, with these factors holding back their ability to grow and sustain their impact, according to a new report.

The open-innovation organisation Do it Now Now’s Beyond the Cliff Edge report, published this week, says black-led charities and social enterprises must have direct influence over funding and policy decisions for meaningful systemic change to take place.

Black-led organisations often struggle to gain access to decision-making spaces, mentorship and training opportunities, despite being hubs for leadership and innovation, the report says.

“Addressing these challenges requires peer-led development programmes, leadership certification, and stronger engagement with local councils to ensure that black leaders can shape the policies and funding mechanisms that affect their communities,” the report says.

The report highlights the need for building trust with funders, participatory grant-making and long-term partnerships that give black-led organisations the resources and authority to drive change at local and national levels.

Financial security is also essential for black-led organisations to move beyond “survival mode” and scale their impact, the report finds.

“Yet, short-term funding cycles and exclusion from capital opportunities continue to leave many organisations vulnerable,” it says.

“Research calls for multi-year core funding, revenue diversification, and sustainable business models to establish lasting financial independence.”

The report used qualitative analysis to examine systemic challenges faced by black-led organisations and assess how capacity building, local leadership, advocacy and influencing, and community wealth contribute to equitable opportunities and long-term change.

“A comprehensive desk-based review was conducted, drawing from academic research, policy reports, and sector-specific publications,” the report says.

“This review incorporates insights from peer-reviewed studies, organisational reports, and policy analyses from leading philanthropic and research institutions.”

All materials were sourced from digital libraries, organisational archives and publicly available databases, the report says.