Who we are
David Graham
I founded Changing Ideas after my son became paralysed, which prompted me to leave a career in business to pursue a different path. I completed an MA in photojournalism and worked with charities around the world, seeing first-hand the hardships people face, especially harms to health and the lives lost.
I believe “you become what you tolerate,” and through Changing Ideas I work to address the everyday injustices I see. My passion is backing individuals and organisations who can make a difference but need resources to try things out, take risks, and achieve impact. I also encourage people and charities to take action, including through our arts programme, which inspires audiences to “do something”.
I am based between London and Scotland, where I support work across the UK, focusing particularly on those using law, campaigning, and journalism as tools for change. These are people who often find themselves standing up against powerful corporations and institutions without the backing they need.
In 2024, I was proud to be included on the Big Issue’s top 100 Changemakers list in the UK.
Karen Lam
I joined Changing Ideas as Head of Charity because I was inspired by David’s personal commitment to social change and his willingness to support people challenging injustice. This is something that still feels quite rare in the funding world.
What drew me to the organisation was its openness to backing difficult, complex, and often overlooked issues, especially where there’s an imbalance of power and accountability. It’s not always easy work, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Before joining Changing Ideas, I worked as a consultant in the social sector, advising non-profits, social enterprises, and foundations across the UK and internationally on impact and social change. I’ve also worked as a grantmaker at The Blue Thread and served as a trustee of CAYSH, a London charity supporting young people facing homelessness.
In my spare time, you can find me hiking with my beloved poodle cross, Bunny, and training for triathlons and Hyrox races.
Phoebe Hanson
I joined Changing Ideas as a Team Associate because I was inspired by its focus on supporting campaigners, particularly those working at the grassroots level.
Before joining Changing Ideas, I was a climate and education campaigner, co-coordinating Mock COP26 and co-founding Teach the Teacher. I spent several years as a Young Consultant to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, contributing to their grantmaking process, and several years advising the Department for Education and the exam board OCR on climate education provisions.
Having spent years as a campaigner, I know how much it matters to have the kind of backing that Changing Ideas offers, and how rare it is.
In my free time, I am an avid reader of murder mysteries, and I love going to the theatre.