Social power is unleashed when civil society works at its best without constraint. We believe it is just as important as political and economic power.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation unleashes civil society’s Social Power by being curious about how change happens, by building its confidence and effectiveness, and by championing campaigners and campaigning.
We work with individuals and community groups, large charities and social enterprises, with those at the beginning of their change journey and seasoned professionals. Together we create the tools people need to make change.
We are a small organisation trying to effect a big shift in our sector. We are clear that we are only as strong and effective as our relationships are with all of you – our friends, partners, clients, supporters, funders and other stakeholders. So, we’d really like to hear what you think. And how we can best support and work with you.
Find out about our biggest event of the year - SMK's National Campaigner Awards
Find out how to join our community, share knowledge, offer mutual support and be part of SMK’s research and annual Awards.
Visit our resources hub to seek the knowledge to drive change.
Find out how to join our community, share knowledge, offer mutual support and be part of SMK’s research and annual Awards.
We've launched the Defending our democratic space report - read all about it here.
Find out how to join our community, share knowledge, offer mutual support and be part of SMK’s research and annual Awards.
Latest news and blogs

Tackling complex problems requires partnership – and partnerships require humility from all of us
Grace Wyld, Head of Policy and Research for The Future Governance Forum, discusses the government’s commitment to a mission-driven approach to national renewal and asks what missions mean for how government is delivered. Missions are more than a communications tool to...

What’s next for solidarity in social change?
Some reflections from our work with grantees of the Oak Foundations’ Housing & Homelessness Programme. In recent years, we’ve worked closely with Oak Foundation’s Housing and Homelessness Programme to better understand how organisations can truly centre the needs...

Campaigning and the Covenant
Expert charity lawyer, Rosamund McCarthy Etherington, Partner at Stone King, takes a look at the Civil Society Covenant: where we are, what it could mean, and what civil society needs to press for...