Assessing Funding Applications using an EDI lens
Independent funders are set up for many different reasons and to support a wide range of causes. Some are run entirely by volunteer trustees; others have one of two members of staff and some have large teams to help trustees and grant panels make decisions about how to use their funding. Some work in a small local area, or only support individuals, while others support organisations all over the UK and internationally. Clearly these differences mean foundations do things in different ways. However, the aims in grant-making are very similar – funders want to reach and support good organisations that are making a difference and to do this in a way that makes the best possible use of both funder’s time and resources and the organisations/groups that approach funders. How do funders ensure that they are being equitable, fair and inclusive in their grant making approach? The workshop was an opportunity for funders to reflect on current practice, hear about the experience and concerns of smaller organisations accessing funding programmes and consider improvements in reaching out to applicants, the application process, assessing and communicating decisions using an EDI lens.
Presentations from the key contributors:
Jo Burrill, Co-ordinator, Birmingham Community Matters – drawing from their work with micro-groups and a Get Grants survey of organisations experience of fundraising from independent funders.
Jenny Whateley, Grants Officer, Heart of England Community Foundation – drawn from their grant making experience from a range of grant Programmes for smaller grants, and latest impact report.
Derval O’Brien, Senior Grant Making Manager, National Lottery Community Fund, Midlands – drawn from their consultation, feedback and testing out of different practice methods on reaching out, assessing applications and communicating to unsuccessful applicants on their Reaching Communities Programme and Awards4All Programme.
The summarised notes from the breakout discussions can be found here and list of the attendees.
Additional resources:
The report mentioned by Jo Burrill in her presentation: Barriers to Funding
https://blcf.org.uk/assets/dei/mayer-spectrum-tool.pdf
https://blcf.org.uk/assets/dei/self-assessment.pdf
Family Foundations: https://www.cof.org/content/ten-ways-family-foundations-consider-diversity-and-inclusive-practices
Community Foundations: https://www.cof.org/content/ten-ways-community-foundations-consider-diversity-and-inclusive-practices
Independent Foundations: