Like many smaller charities who are breaking through the £1m income barrier, Chapter One has exciting challenges ahead. Finding funding that not only supports programme delivery but also bolsters growth and scale is vital, so we are keen to diversify our income and work with a range of trusts and foundations. We are delighted that The Drapers’ Charitable Fund has supported Chapter One since 2019, with grants awarded in May 2019, June 2021 and November 2022.

What is The Drapers’ Charitable Fund?

The Drapers’ Charitable Fund provides grants to improve the quality of life and aspirations of people and communities, particularly those who are socially excluded or disadvantaged. Most of our grants are awarded to charities in Greater London, where we have our historical roots, for projects in education and social welfare.

Why did The Drapers’ Charitable Fund choose to support Chapter One?

Firstly, we love the remote and innovative nature of the Chapter One Online Reading Volunteers Programme. Chapter One has led the way in terms of online programme delivery (which you had in place long before the pandemic when other providers switched to online) - with volunteers providing reading support online with no travel.

The programme has a demonstrable impact on the lives of children facing disadvantage. We’re keen to raise aspirations and help young people in Greater London realise their full potential through projects that support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to increase their academic attainment, particularly in literacy, and also improve the wellbeing, resilience, self-esteem and engagement of young people. Chapter One ticks both boxes - the Online Reading Volunteers Programme not only improves the literacy outcomes of 5-to-8-year-olds facing disadvantage, but also boosts their confidence and enjoyment of reading, strengthens their belief that they're good readers and sparks their excitement about the world of books.

The programme is also independently evaluated; Chapter One is committed to robust impact evaluation of their work and has commissioned external evaluators to measure their outcomes in relation to reading confidence, attainment and motivation.

We also love the way that Chapter One has successfully engaged corporate partners to provide both volunteers and funding.

How does the funding support Chapter One?

The grants have been used to support the continuation and growth of the Online Reading Volunteers Programme in London. Since 2018, in London, Chapter One has grown from 15 schools supporting 240 children, to providing reading support to 1,126 children in 36 schools in 2023-24. The London schools Chapter One supports serve disadvantaged communities across Barnet, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Haringey, Islington, Newham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets and there are plans to further expand in Camden and south London from September 2024.

“Support from the Drapers’ Charitable Fund has had a huge impact on our work in London, enabling us to support hundreds of children early in their school journey to prevent them from falling further behind with their reading. Thank you to the Fund for your belief in our work and the possibilities you have opened up for so many young children facing disadvantage.”

- Emma Bell, CEO, Chapter One

Chapter One is grateful to all our corporate and funding partners for their support of our mission and expansion. Click here to see our list of partners.