Funding: Review brings essential knowledge to Third Sector funders

Steve Keable, Chair of the South West Funders' Forum, said:  "Before commissioning new research ourselves to inform grant and policy making for the Voluntary and Community Sector, we wanted to know what already exists, and this report does that superbly.  We're delighted with it".

The Review's author, Evaluation Trust Consultant Lesley Frazer, is more cautious: "I see this as very much a work in progress - I'm sure that some documents will have been overlooked.  Some have already come to light and been included, and others have been published since I finished my work.  So I very much hope that this is the beginning of something."

The Funders' Forum is already not only considering the gaps in research which the Review reveals - the survey, and a questionnaire which received a 70% response rate, identified 19 different research needs - but also how to keep it updated as a ‘live' resource for all who are interested in the activities and needs of the Third Sector in the region.  A seminar is now planned for funders to consider the outcome of the Review and ways of keeping it current and accessible.

A finding that funders will also need to discuss is the large quantity of useful  unpublished information held by regional Trusts and Foundations.  The Review says: "Many funders are concerned that they are duplicating effort in mapping needs and trends across the region and in identifying funding priorities, and would be willing to share this information with other members of the Funders' Forum, if appropriate safeguards can be put in place regarding confidentiality".

The Review is available at the Creating Excellence website:  click here to view