Funding

Our commitment to open and trusting grant-making

In collaboration with a small group of UK foundations and charities, IVAR calls 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 and the cost of living crisis. Their ambition is to see these commitments become standard practice in the sector. We’re proud to be one of over 100 funders who have signed up to their eight commitments and joined a community of practice with other funders and charities to improve practice together.

The eight commitments are:

1. Don’t waste time – we will be open, transparent and clear about all of our priorities, requirements and exclusions.

2. Ask relevant questions – we will test our application forms to ensure clarity, relevance and avoid repetition, only collecting information that genuinely informs a funding decision.

3. Accept risk – we will clearly explain how risk is assessed and be realistic about how much assurance applicants can provide.

4. Act with urgency – we will aim to make decisions as quickly as possible by publishing and sticking to timeframes to ensure we work at a pace that meets the needs of applicants.

5. Be open – we will provide feedback, including reasons for rejections. We will analyse and share relevant data, including publishing success rates.

6. Enable flexibility – we will aim to give unrestricted funding; where we can’t, we will ensure our funding is as flexible as possible.

7. Communicate with purpose – our contact is positive and purposeful. We will be realistic about our time commitments.

8. Be proportionate – we will ensure that our formal reporting requirements are well understood, proportionate and meaningful.