Leicestershire and Rutland matchmaking service brings communities and funders together
29/06/2007
Matchmaking service helps community groups meet their ideal funding partners
Voluntary organisations and charities in Leicestershire and Rutland are discovering how to build meaningful relationships with funders – thanks to the Rural Community Council (RCC).
Over 280 successful matches in the first year
During the first year of the RCC’s project to advise and support them, 283 groups have made suitable matches with funders – to the tune of £316,570.
This includes £73,625 allocated in Northwest Leicestershire for disability, youth groups, community buildings and rural business organisations.
Grants from ChangeUp / Capacitybuilders totalling £23,000, together with Big Lottery funding, got the project off the ground.
How it works
It works by recruiting funders interested in supporting community organisations, then sets about introducing matching candidates. Funding fairs provide opportunities for “first dates” where funders and applicants can meet to learn more about each other.
For example, at a recent event in the market town of Melton Mowbray the RCC brought together 20 funders and 252 people from community groups for a series of workshops and meetings.
Forming important partnerships with Local Authorities
The funding fairs are supported by the local authority which makes its database available for marketing purposes and provides venues and food. In return it gains a greater understanding of its local voluntary sector and of grassroots issues.
Positive feedback
“It’s a successful partnership”, notes Ruth Whitworth, community Policy Officer of Melton Borough Council which helped promote the Melton Mowbray fair. “Feedback has showed that those who attended found the event useful.”
Navigating trhough the funding 'maze'
The project goes further than just matchmaking. It helps organisations chart their way successfully through the complex maze of handling funding applications and gain better insights into the funders’ values.
Developing strong relationships with funders
Through networking, community groups are encouraged to share knowledge and experience and to build stronger relationships with major funders.
Feedback from the sector
“I needed to get funding for a professional artist, someone experienced in working with youth,” says Anne Gilhespy-Muskett from a small community group in Fleckney trying to combat vandalism.
The plan was to give youngsters a sense of ownership of a local recreation building by getting them involved in painting it.
“That’s where the Rural Community Council came in,” she explains. “They have worked with me to find funders that will fit the needs of the project.”
Birmingham-based Capacitybuilders is the national agency responsible for managing the £70 million ChangeUp programme, designed to help thousands of voluntary and local organisations across the UK to improve their communities.
