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.
Susan Smith
Having spent over twenty years in journalism, communications and campaigning within Scottish charities I know how challenging campaigning for change can be. I joined Changing Ideas as Fund Manager through its partnership with Inspiring Scotland because I was delighted to see David’s commitment to make a difference in an area where there’s a clear funding gap.
I believe change is most effective when its community-led, shaped by those who are most impacted. I think that everyone should be empowered to challenge injustice and have the tools and resources to create change.
I’m also a voluntary trustee of my local development trust and of campaigning charity One Parent Families Scotland, reflecting my personal commitment to creating sustainable local communities and equality of opportunity for all.
Outside work, I enjoy theatre and the arts. I’m also an enthusiastic, if inconsistent, member of a long-running voluntary sector book group.