Black Funding Network Announces New Board Directors and Celebrates Yvette Griffith OBE’s Legacy
London, 17 April 2026 – Black Funding Network (BFN) is proud to announce the appointment of four new directors to its board, each bringing a wealth of expertise in finance, media, operations, and public health. The new directors - Ndidi Njoku, Juliet Alexander, Laverne Thomas, and Angela Aboagye - will join co-founders Erika Brodnock MBE, Angela Ferreira and Patricia Hamzahee OBE to help steer BFN’s mission of collective giving and community empowerment.
BlackFundingNetwork 
Black Funding Network (BFN) reached a milestone in April, at their Spring Funder, that speaks to the heart of our mission: collective power, community, and transformative change.
As we celebrated our 10th crowdfunding event, bringing the total number of Black-led grassroots organisations we’ve supported since 2020 to 30, with over £200,000 raised since our inception, we also marked a new chapter for our organisation. With deep gratitude and excitement, we welcome four extraordinary new directors to our board: Ndidi Njoku Juliet Alexander Laverne Thomas and Angela Aboagye. Their expertise, passion, and commitment to equity will help steer BFN’s mission of democratising philanthropy and empowering Black communities.
Ndidi Njoku
Founder Markets4Development; Chair of the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD)
Ndidi Njoku is a finance and international development expert, with a career dedicated to providing global C-suite and business regulatory, risk, and compliance advice. As the founder of Markets4Development and Chair of the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD), Ndidi has spent years promoting international trade and implementing large-scale strategic projects. Her passion for supporting the UK charitable sector aligns perfectly with BFN’s vision of collective giving and community empowerment.
Juliet Alexander
Founder Sistaroutestravel; Chairperson Huntley Archives FHALMA Foundation FHALMA
Juliet Alexander, an award-winning media and communications specialist, is no stranger to BFN. As a longtime event host, education and careers expert, and public speaking trainer, Juliet brings a dynamic voice and a deep understanding of how storytelling can drive social change. Her expertise in media and communications will amplify our message and help us reach even more changemakers.
Laverne Thomas
COO of Film & TV Charity
Laverne Thomas is a dynamic operations leader with a proven track record in the music and creative industries. Her experience in managing cross-regional initiatives, driving business expansion, and optimising processes will be invaluable as we continue to grow and standardise our operations. Laverne’s ability to align strategic plans with organisational goals makes her a powerful addition to our team.
Angela Aboagye
Critical Care Programme Manager at South East London Critical Care Network (SELCCN)
Angela Aboagye, a senior public health professional and systems innovation strategist, has over 15 years of experience leading large-scale health transformations. Her expertise in strategic design, equity-focused approaches, and cross-sector collaboration will help us strengthen our programs and ensure they create measurable, sustainable impact.
Honouring Yvette Griffith OBE
While we celebrate the arrival of our new directors, we also pause to honour Yvette Griffith OBE, Chief Executive of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, who steps down from her role as a director after five years of visionary leadership. Yvette’s commitment to Black philanthropy and civic society has been foundational to BFN’s growth, and her presence will be deeply missed.
In her own words: “I step back proud, knowing BFN’s legacy is in capable hands. This mission is bigger than any one of us, and I’m excited to see how our new directors will carry it forward.”
Yvette’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping BFN into what it is today—a community of joyful generosity where everyone can be a philanthropist. While we say goodbye to her as a director, we know she will continue to champion our work and remain a vital part of our extended family. We wish her all the joy and success in her next chapter and look forward to her continued support in new ways.
A Legacy of Collective Giving
Our 10th crowdfunding event was a testament to what happens when a community comes together with a shared belief in collective power. Since launching in 2020, BFN has supported 30 Black-led grassroots organisations, raising over £200,000 through accessible, joyful giving. This milestone is not just a number – it’s a reflection of the trust, generosity, and commitment of our community.
As we welcome our new directors and honour Yvette’s legacy, we’re reminded that this work is about more than funding, it’s about building a future where Black-led organisations have the resources, support, and visibility they need to thrive. With Ndidi, Juliet, Laverne, and Angela joining our board, we’re more equipped than ever to continue this journey.
What’s Next?
The future of BFN is bright, and we invite you to be part of it. Whether you’re a donor, member, partner, or simply someone who believes in the power of collective giving, there’s a place for you in our community. Together, we can continue to redefine philanthropy – by us, for us, with us.
Join us in celebrating this new chapter and stay tuned for more ways to get involved. The best is yet to come.
Black Funding Network Giving by, for, and with the communities we represent.
