Funder best practice
As a funder or philanthropist, the way you design your charitable giving matters. Our guidance on power dynamics, theory of change, cause related networks, DEI in grant making and what makes a good charity provide a broad overview of what makes funding effective. To take things further, consider funding place-based projects and taking a systems change approach.
Blog
Now is the time for a government match-funding scheme to unlock growth
By James Somerville .
On 20 March 2025.
Match-funding should be used to tackle barriers to employment
Event
Funder drop-in: Why funders should collaborate
On 13 May 2025, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Zoom
Our funder and philanthropist drop-ins are for staff and trustees at grant-making organisations, and individual philanthropists on topics of interest to the sector.
Blog
How to decide if spending down is right for your foundation
By Hannah Large, and Sarah Denselow .
On 5 March 2025.
If you’re a trustee of grant-making organisation that’s been considering spend down as an option, how could you approach this decision and what are some of the factors you might want to consider?
Event
Spending down your endowment
On 9 June 2025, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Zoom
This online training is for funders and will explore what to consider if spending down your endowment.
Resources
Understanding the role of community-led early years support
By Abigail Rose, Teresita Eguiguren, Claire Gordon, and James Somerville .
On 26 February 2025.
In this report we explore the types and distribution of community-led early years provision in England.
Blog
Governments need to partner with the impact sector, not just ‘get out of the way’
By James Somerville .
On 19 February 2025.
We know that ‘stepping back’ doesn’t work. The key is a true partnership to tackle shared challenges.
Blog
Funding and Philanthropy in 2025: 5 trends to watch
By Alex Hayes .
On 11 February 2025.
Increased use of AI, the growth of impact investing, responding to government policy, a potential gentle re-opening to applications, and the continuing rise of funder collaboration.
Resources
Monitoring, evaluation, and learning with trust and equity: a guide for grant-makers and philanthropists
By Claire Gordon, Emma Pearson, Sarah Denselow, and Erwin Hieltjes .
On 5 December 2024.
How to support support reflection, improvement, and ultimately better outcomes.
Event
Monitoring, evaluating, and learning for funders
On 12 February 2025, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Zoom
This session will take participants through the steps and considerations needed for funders to develop an approach to monitoring, evaluating and learning (MEL).
Blog
How funders can use adaptive strategy
By Naomi Chapman .
On 22 October 2024.
Using a flexible strategy can help funders stay open.
Blog
How grantmaking can embrace change and innovation
By Kathy Richardson.
On 12 September 2024.
We need to recognise the impact of social movements and new technology, focusing on human-centred design and measuring what really matters.
Resources
The youth mental health crisis
By Hannah Large, Lily Meisner, and Angela Kail .
On 16 June 2024.
We have identified six key areas where funders have the potential to create long-term positive change for children and young people mental health.
