Project Colt was founded in 2003 to support people affected by drug and alcohol addiction, alongside a small social enterprise selling second-hand furniture and goods. By 2019, the organisation was at a critical point. Funding was running out, organisational identity had become unclear, and long-term sustainability felt uncertain. Pressure on staff and trustees was growing, and Project Colt approached Futurekraft primarily for fundraising support as a last attempt to secure its future.
What followed was a sustained period of organisational transformation. Working alongside Futurekraft through Covid and beyond, Project Colt clarified its purpose, strengthened governance and leadership, diversified income, and rebuilt confidence. Turnover grew from £265k in 2020 to £724k in 2025, with over £300k per year in ongoing funding secured. Trading income increased, a new rental income stream was introduced, and Bridgefield Mills was partially renewed into a thriving community hub. Project Colt moved from survival to stability, with a clear pathway to long-term sustainability.
Success for Project Colt is being a secure, trusted presence in the community, with Bridgefield Mills protected as a permanent home for recovery, connection, and opportunity. It means strong governance, confident leadership, and financial resilience through diverse income streams that remove the organisation from constant crisis. Success is the ability to plan, invest, and grow with purpose rather than survive year to year. Most importantly, success is seen in people’s lives: individuals moving away from addiction and life-controlling issues into stability, skills, training, and employment. Project Colt remains values-led and rooted in lived experience—strong enough to last, flexible enough to grow.
“The transformation at Project Colt has been profound. With the right support, we’ve secured our finances, strengthened our board, and created a platform for long-term impact. We are now building a future that matches the depth of need and the potential of the people we serve.”
– Chair of the Board, Project Colt
