News / social justice
Wealth redistribution group welcomes first members
The wealth distribution group Bristol Redistro has welcomed its first members.
The group, which raises money from individuals or companies who have it and gives it to social good organisations, launched the membership scheme to offer easier and longer-term support for the people it works with.
25 people and organisations have signed up, all of them working class or working class-led and aiming to create good in their communities.
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Among those on the list are Bristol East Disabled Society, South Bristol Sisters and Rubba, an African dance practitioner.
Bristol Redistro held its first members’ meet-up on Saturday
Members get networking opportunities, have a say in how money is used and crucially are able to request funds when needed without having to apply each time.
Co-founder Sophie said: “The idea behind it was to solve a few problems to make things a little bit more straightforward.
“Why make them apply each year? When you are a really small community group you don’t always have the people to be writing applications all the time.”
Jason Ward, director of new member The Cause Bristol, said: “It’s really useful not only for funding but also to share resources, skills and community collaboration and getting to work with other members and other groups.
“It can be quite difficult being a small community organisation and not being 100 per cent knowledgeable on stuff, so working with other groups and being part of the membership is really useful.
Rosina from When Nature Speaks and A Space to Breathe said Bristol Redistro has been a big support
“One thing I love about Redistro is it doesn’t matter what stage you are at in a project,” said Rosina from When Nature Speaks and A Space to Breathe.
“As long as you’ve got the vision, the experience and the passion, they’re here to support you.”
Bristol Redistro was launched in 2019 and has since given out £130,000 in grants.
It is rising in popularity, with 70 applications for funds last year.
“Our aim is to in a small way address wealth inequality,” Sophie said. “To try to raise money from people who have got it and redistribute it to working class organisations who are working in their community to make people’s lives better.”
“It’s tough going in Bristol, like everywhere else. There’s not enough social housing; renting is too expensive; and all sorts of global events are impacting people day to day.
“It really feels like there’s a disconnect between people who have wealth and those who don’t.”
All photos: Molly Pipe
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