Online child sexual abuse is a global crisis. As technology rapidly evolves, so do the risks facing children. Tackling these harms requires more than just a reactive approach; it demands a whole-of-society response and long-term, sustainable investment in proven solutions.
Our Partnerships Team is moving beyond the "transactional." We are building deep, strategic relationships across trusts and foundations, government, and corporate sectors to ensure the internet is fundamentally safer for the next generation.
Our Strategic Vision
Our ambition is to raise £2 million through partnerships that drive impact. This year we have shifted toward mission-aligned collaborations where partners contribute financially, strategically and technically to help build a lasting shield for children.
Foundational support: Government, Trusts and Regulators
These core partners provide the stability needed for the IWF to innovate and respond to emerging threats.
UK Home Office: Renewed £466,000 for the Child Abuse Image Database (CAID) Taskforce.
Oak Foundation: A long-standing partner renewed their commitment of £714,000 over three years, providing a vital foundation for our strategic campaigns, and policy and advocacy priorities forward.
Safe Online: Funded a £180,000 independent evaluation of IWF’s 53 international Reporting Portals, conducted by Altai Consulting. The findings will inform IWF’s new international strategy and future mechanisms for rapid content removal worldwide.
Ofcom: Formalised a landmark partnership via a new Memorandum of Understanding to drive compliance with the Online Safety Act. As a key strategic advisor, we provide the vital data and expertise the UK regulator needs to hold tech companies accountable and purge illegal content.
Project-based innovation
We are collaborating on targeted projects that expand our reach and deepen our impact:
Nominet: Thanks to their incredible funding in support of our technology team, it has allowed us to increase our capacity to develop our systems to keep pace with the change and volume we deal with through our Hotline. A massive impactful investment.
At Nominet, we have a mission to make the internet safe and secure. Our partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation is a key part of that.
Our funding supports the development of tools and technologies the IWF needs to find and remove child sexual abuse material at scale. It shows what’s possible when organisations work together with purpose and determination.
By backing the IWF, we’re strengthening the defences that protect children online and helping ensure the internet remains a place they can explore safely. It’s work we’re proud to support.
OnlyFans: A £250,000 donation enabled the establishment of a dedicated Data & Insights Taskforce. This new capability centralises and analyses critical data produced by our analysts, supporting faster insights and more impactful action against online abuse.
ECHO Survivor Hub: IWF joined a new consortium led by the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) at Anglia Ruskin University, alongside Child Rescue Coalition and Protect Children. Funded by Safe Online and the Graham Dacre Foundation, this pilot will launch a survivor-focused response to online child sexual exploitation.
Corporate impact and supporter-led commitment
Our corporate partners provide more than just financial support; they offer the technical and sector-specific expertise required to have impact on our mission. By aligning with industry leaders, we ensure that child safety is built into the fabric of the digital economy.
Pinsent Masons: Through their long-term commitment of £60,000+ over three years, Pinsent Masons has united the cybersecurity and legal sectors via the Move for a Safer Internet campaign, fostering a culture of collective responsibility.
The Security Institute: Our partnership has driven vital sector-wide engagement and visibility, leveraging their member platform to raise both funds and awareness for our mission.
Public Donations: We gratefully acknowledge members of the public who contributed through online donations, payroll giving, and Gift Aid, providing more than £30,000 over the past year.
Grassroots & Community: From Alexandra Nightingale’s incredible £10,000 Kilimanjaro trek to funds raised through local initiatives like our Collection4Clothes recycling units, our community supporters remain the heartbeat of our efforts.
The power of pro bono & gift-in-kind
Beyond direct funding, the IWF benefits from a wealth of professional expertise and resources that significantly amplify our operational capacity. This year, we received over £25,000 in pro bono and gift-in-kind support from our members, corporate partners, and supporters.
The path ahead: our urgent need
While we are on a stronger footing than ever, the scale of the challenge is growing. Our core work: identifying and removing imagery of child abuse, is the frontline of child protection, but it is not a given.
These collaborations are not just beneficial; they are critical. To keep pace with technology and the people who exploit it, we need sustained, courageous funding. We invite you to stand with us. Without your investment, our core mission cannot continue.
I am incredibly proud of the depth and diversity of our partnerships this year, from government agencies and global tech leaders to the dedicated individuals taking on personal challenges for our cause. We have shifted our focus toward truly mission-aligned collaborations, where our partners don't just provide funding, but contribute the strategic and technical expertise we need to stay ahead of an evolving threat.
However, the scale of online abuse is a reality that refuses to wait. While these alliances have built a stronger shield for children, our ability to keep this frontline operation running depends entirely on sustained, courageous investment. To keep pace with technology and the people who exploit it, we need your continued support; together, we can ensure the internet remains a place where children are safe to explore, learn, and grow.
By joining forces with IWF, you’re not just supporting a cause; you’re actively shaping safer online spaces for generations to come. Let’s make this impact together.