Angels’ Den Sussex 2026: £150,000 to Support Grassroots Charities This November
October 6, 2026
Join us at Angels’ Den Sussex 2026
Behind every grassroots charity is a team or individual who believed things could be different. Who saw a challenge and refused to look away. Who turned compassion into action and an idea into a lifeline. Today, that belief lives on in the staff and volunteers of small charities across the UK, who show up, day after day, to make life better for their communities.
On Monday 9th November 2026, ten finalists will take to the stage at the magnificent Brighton Dome Corn Exchange as Angels’ Den Sussex returns for its second year. Hosted by Focus Foundation, this Brighton charity event will bring together six generous Angels, local charities and a live audience, with £150,000 in funding to help turn ambition into action.
It’s an opportunity to recognise vital grassroots work, connect with the teams behind it and help back what comes next. Whether you joined us last year or are discovering Angels’ Den for the first time, we’d love you to be part of it.
Join us at Angels Den Sussex 2026.
What is Angels’ Den?
Angels’ Den gives grassroots charities the chance to pitch directly to entrepreneurs and philanthropists who are ready to back their work. In front of a live audience, finalists explain what they do, the funding they need and the difference it would make. The Angels then decide how to share the funding pot, with every finalist receiving support on the night.
Originally conceived by Mike Clare, founder of The Clare Foundation, the initiative began in Buckinghamshire. Focus Foundation brought it to Sussex for the first time in 2025.
Every finalist receives funding, alongside opportunities to build confidence, raise awareness and connect with potential supporters. Professional pitch coaching delivered before the event helps charities prepare to share their stories clearly and confidently, developing skills they can carry into future fundraising conversations long after the event ends.
For guests, it’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from local charities changing lives around them, hear their mission, challenges and plans first-hand, and see funding awarded to help make those plans happen.
Meet the Angels’ Den Sussex 2026 finalists
Selected from more than 100 applications, this year’s ten finalists reflect the breadth of grassroots work taking place across Sussex:
- The Running Charity and FMG Project, presenting a joint pitch.
- Stop.Breathe.Think.
- Old Boat Corner Community Association.
- Friends of Woodlands Meed.
- Time to Talk Befriending.
- FareShare Sussex & Surrey.
- Stay Up Late.
- Breadwinners.
- Figment Arts.
- StrongMen.
Their work spans young people’s opportunities, mental health, food poverty, bereavement, disability inclusion and community connection.
Each will share what they hope to achieve with the right backing, giving the audience an insight into both the need and the possibilities within our communities.
Meet our six Angels for 2026
Taking the Angels’ seats this year are:
- Sarah Willingham, Entrepreneur, investor and former BBC Dragons’ Den star.
- Rob Starr, Entrepreneur, author and founder of youth charity the Starr Trust.
- Sarah Leslie, Co-Founder of ndapt, governance specialist and Trustee of the Clare Foundation.
- Sir Rod Aldridge, Business and social entrepreneur, founder of Capita and the Aldridge Foundation.
- James Bicknell, Group CEO of Multiply Media Group and Co-Founder of the JLB Foundation.
- Chris Godsmark, Co-Founder of Limewood Capital and specialist in telecoms and technology investment.
Together, they bring experience across business, investment, governance and philanthropy, alongside a shared commitment to helping grassroots charities thrive.
Each Angel is contributing £12,500, with Focus Foundation matching their combined £75,000 to create the £150,000 funding pot. Their backing will help our finalists take practical steps towards the change they want to deliver.
How your ticket supports Sussex charities
Your ticket can make a difference.
Every ticket contributes to the Audience Vote, giving guests the opportunity to champion the charity that moves them most and help direct additional funding towards its work.
Alongside the live pitches and funding announcements, the evening offers a chance to meet charities, business leaders and fellow supporters.
A conversation could lead to a new partnership, a volunteering opportunity or an introduction that opens doors long after the evening ends.
Angels’ Den Sussex 2025: highlights and charity funding
Our inaugural Sussex event took place at Brighton i360 on 6th November 2025, bringing together more than 200 guests to hear from ten grassroots charities.
The evening supported causes ranging from youth homelessness and suicide prevention to refugee employment and support for families affected by cancer. Brighton Table Tennis Club received £25,000, while Children’s Respite Trust secured £30,940, including additional support unlocked through the audience vote and matched contributions.
To get a feel for the atmosphere, the courage behind the pitches and the joy of seeing charities receive meaningful backing, watch our Angels’ Den Sussex 2025 highlights reel below.
You can also read our full recap of last year’s event to discover all ten finalists, what each received and the initiatives their funding would support.
Looking ahead: Angels’ Den London 2027
The ambition behind Angels’ Den continues to grow: to connect more grassroots charities with the funding, experience and relationships that can help them thrive.
Our next chapter will take us to London on Wednesday 12th May 2027, with an event at Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster, delivered in collaboration with the CSJ Foundation. It will bring charities together with entrepreneurs, philanthropists and business leaders, extending the opportunity to new communities.
As Focus Foundation takes Angels’ Den to more parts of the UK, the purpose remains the same: giving vital grassroots work a platform and connecting it with practical support.
If you’re interested in becoming an Angel, sponsoring an event or supporting this next chapter, explore Angels’ Den London and register your interest here.
Book your tickets for Angels’ Den Sussex 2026
Before that next chapter begins, Sussex takes centre stage once again.
Join us at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on Monday 9th November 2026 for an evening of inspiring stories, meaningful connections and decisions that could shape the future of local charities.
Come to discover the work happening around you, meet the teams making it possible and help give their next steps momentum.
Book your place at Angels’ Den Sussex 2026 below.
