August 2017 – A cross-section of representatives from communities, the business sector, finance providers and the public sector start to meet to discuss the needs for City Funds and the impact this could have.

March 2018 – A City Funds legal Collaboration Agreement was signed by representatives from Bristol’s Mayor’s Office, Quartet Community Foundation and Bristol and Bath Regional Capital. This outlined a governing structure to make decisions and launch Funding Priority Groups.

April 2018 – A Governing Board was established following applications from, and interviews with, a broad representation of the city. Founding members were appointed from communities, businesses, education, the voluntary sector and the Mayor’s Office.

June 2018 – At Bristol’s ‘City Gathering’ the City Funds team offered a progress update and opportunities for wider participation around the proposed funding priority groups.

September 2018 – March 2019 – City Funds continued to develop a collaborative approach to funds design, engaging businesses and organisations whilst undertaking the necessary research and planning to finalise the Funding Priority Groups.

April – June 2019 – City Funds initiated our first investment round, seeking £10m in new investment into Bristol.

July 2019 – City Funds secures our first two investors into the Fund, Big Society Capital and Bristol City Council, for a total of £10 million.

October 2019 – City Funds closes our first fundraising round and begins investing in impact-driven organisations in Bristol.