Since Bright Future first began supporting it in 2009, BBC Media Action has been able to use media to empower some of the poorest people in the world to transform their lives and their communities – from opening up spaces for public debate in the Palestinian Territories to supporting interactive youth-focussed radio shows in Africa that help curb the stigma surrounding AIDS. To date, Bright Future Trust has contributed £260,000 to the work of BBC Media Action and has pledged a further £150,000 over the next three years to 2020.
The Catalyst Fund
Dr Patel recently also became Chair of the Catalyst fund; designed to provide a financial trigger point for the crucial expansion of the work of BBC Media Action.
“BBC Media Action is most grateful for Dr Chai Patel’s active leadership of the Catalyst Fund initiative. In addition to the most generous financial support from the Bright Future Trust, he has shared his time, contacts and expertise – helping us to extend our donor base.
“For example, Dr Patel hosted a dinner for BBC Media Action at which new supporters were introduced to the work of the charity and the Catalyst Fund. He also recorded a video message for BBC Media Action’s website, sharing his motivation for supporting our work and encouraging others to support the Catalyst Fund. For a charity with a small donor base of private individuals and corporate supporters this form of testimony is hugely helpful.
“His support of our annual fundraising dinner, the Correspondents’ Dinner, makes a vital contribution to the success of the event. He has donated auction prizes and also shared his enthusiasm for our work by addressing the dinner guests.’
Gudrun Kulheimer, Senior Fundraising Manager, BBC Media Action
“What I most value about Chai’s generous support is his dynamism, drive and vision. As Chairman, he is enabling us to realise the full and exciting potential of the Catalyst Fund.”
Caroline Nursey, Executive Director, BBC Media Action
Visit BBC Media Action website here.
