As CEO of BCBN, Sabah Gilani led over a decade of strategic community investment — raising over £1.4 million for grassroots and national causes. Under her leadership, the organisation became a trusted bridge between philanthropy and the everyday realities of communities across the UK.

Approach & Ethos

Sabah’s work at BCBN exemplified her belief that money alone doesn’t solve problems — it’s how we give, who we trust, and the space we create for others to lead that determines impact. Her approach to philanthropy centred inclusion, integrity, and quiet systems-change.

– Designed and implemented a community-led grant-making framework, empowering over 100 charities and initiatives to lead local impact on their terms.

– Incubated pioneering projects such as Muslim Mind and Resilient Me, addressing mental health in schools and reshaping support for young Muslims.

– Elevated BCBN’s presence as a funder that centres dignity, lived experience, and sustainable systems of care.

– Built a model that combined strategic funding with relational trust — ensuring resources reached those who needed them most.

“We didn’t just give grants — we helped rewrite the expectations around who gets to access support and why. That’s legacy.”