Charities say pandemic has driven change

A new campaign has been launched by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) calling on funders to adopt simpler, more flexible practices that make life easier for those they fund.

 In light of the ongoing uncertainty caused by Covid-19, their ambition is to see these commitments extend beyond the crisis: to become standard practice in the sector.

IVAR in collaboration with London Funders and a small group of UK foundations and charities are asking funders to commit to being more open and trusting by making grants in a way that reflects the realities facing organisations now and for the foreseeable future.

They said: “Over the last decade there has been much talk of funders – particularly trusts and foundations – trying to become less burdensome, more straightforward and quicker in their dealings with applicants and grantees.

“Then, over a few short weeks in March 2020, some funders overhauled their processes, dismantling onerous reporting structures and proactively offering a range of financial and flexible support.”

The pledge complements other work aiming to influence change – both in funder practice and improving relationships between charities and funders.