Angels Den comes to the East Midlands
The CSJ Foundation and the Randal Foundation are proud to launch Angels Den East Midlands, bringing a powerful model of place-based philanthropy to the region for the first time.
Inspired by Dragons’ Den, Angels Den gives outstanding local charities the chance to pitch live to a panel of leading philanthropists and secure vital funding to transform lives in their communities. Hosted by BBC East Midlands presenter Anne Davies, the evening will take place on Wednesday 17 March 2027 in Leicester.
From an open call for applications, ten exceptional grassroots charities tackling entrenched social challenges across the East Midlands will be shortlisted, coached and given the stage to present their work to the “Angels”. Confirmed Angels include Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL (The Randal Foundation), Richard Mackay (Kilworth House), Charles Smith (Shoezone), and Chris Goodman and Sarah Leslie (Focus Foundation).
What makes Angels Den different is how the funding works. Every Angel contributes personally to a shared pot and helps decide how it is allocated on the night, and every finalist receives a grant of at least £5,000. In a first for the format, the audience will also vote live to award an additional prize to the charity that moves them most.
But Angels Den is about much more than grants. It brings the region’s business community together to celebrate extraordinary local organisations and show what can be achieved when business and philanthropy work side by side. Guests can look forward to an exceptional evening of networking and entertainment, the chance to meet inspiring charity leaders, and the opportunity to see first-hand how their support can make a real difference.
Businesses can also get involved as sponsors, whether as principal event partner, drinks reception sponsor or a direct contributor to the charity prize fund, showing their commitment to the East Midlands while helping local charities thrive.
Our ambition is for Angels Den to become a major annual fixture in the region’s business calendar, connecting East Midlands generosity with the grassroots organisations best placed to change lives. This first event is a chance to help shape that legacy from the very beginning.
Event details
- Date: Wednesday 17 March 2027
- Location: Leicester
- Host: Anne Davies, BBC East Midlands
Tickets and sponsorship
Join us on 17 March 2027. Buy a ticket, become a sponsor, or help fund the next generation of outstanding East Midlands charities.
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Annabelle Black at the CSJ Foundation: annabelle.black@centreforsocialjustice.org.uk