Certifying lived experience

Fuelling local change-makers to inspire underserved communities.

75 Leaders

£1.1M locally invested

75 Leaders £1.1M locally invested

a new era

of giving

In marginalised communities across the world, local change-makers offer tangible pathways to real solutions, impact and hope. Yet, they are systematically excluded from opportunities to expand their transformative reach.

These leaders are why we exist.

Only 1% of global funding goes to local organizations

Global Fund for Community Foundation

Over 65% of local organizations lack access to training and capacity building

Charities Aid Foundation

Local individuals are up to 80% more likely to engage with at-risk people compared to international organisations

The Bridgespan Group

Our Model

SEJA’s Digital Impact Hub will connect donors with vetted changemakers, providing leaders with the tools, mentorship, and funding they need to scale their impact. This is more than giving - it’s a movement where local lived-ex expertise meets global support to drive sustainable change

Our Impact

With 146 changemakers funded, £1.1M invested, and 75,000+ young people reached, SEJA is proving that local leadership drives lasting change. Our Digital Impact Hub will scale this further—connecting changemakers to donors, mentorship, and real-time impact tracking worldwide.

Stories speak louder than words

Kebra

SEJA's cultural programs are designed to provide spaces for artistic expression and underscore the significant role of culture.

Bale de rale

Saryne started a ballet project called “Bale de Rale” because as she puts it “dance saved my life and when dance saves your life you put it forward”

From local to global

Carlos, a resident of Rocinha Favela, Latin America's largest favela, launched a surfing project to empower at-risk youth.

annual report 24

2024 marks a new chapter for SEJA. With 146 changemakers funded and £1.1M invested, we’ve seen firsthand how local leadership drives real impact. Now, we’re scaling this model globally through the SEJA Digital Impact Hub, using technology to connect changemakers with donors, mentorship, and funding. This report reflects our progress and the bold steps ahead