Explore our work

We've selected a few of our current projects for you to explore more deeply.  Click on the links to find out more detail of the work we're doing

Current Projects

Commissioning Improvement Programme

The aim of the programme is to help local partners to overcome some of the barriers to working in partnership, in order to make better and more efficient use of resources and to achieve the desired outcomes for local communities. This programme is part of the wider National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning.
 

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Partnership Improvement Programme

PIP is designed to improve cross-sector partnership working between local authorities and local VCOs. This programme builds on the 2005/06 pilot, developed and delivered by I&DeA and IVAR in eight areas of England.

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Research into models of high engagement funding

IVAR is undertaking a major study into 'high engagement funding' (funder plus) over the next twelve months. The research has been commissioned by the Barrow Cadbury Trust, The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and the City Parochial Foundation.

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Research on community ownership and management of assets

This research aims to learn about the experience of managing and owning assets – particularly land, buildings, finance resources and energy based assets – by community based organisations in the United Kingdom. Building on a review of literature conducted for JRF in 2009, it seeks to engage with practitioners, policy makers and other stakeholders to discover the key overall outcomes including the costs, benefits and critical success factors associated with asset-based community development and to provide an evidence base to influence future policy and practice in this arena.

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Understanding local political participation

Community Matters is the National Federation for Community Organisations. Community Matters currently have over 1,200 member organisations across the UK and have been supporting community associations and similar organisations since 1945.

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Past Projects

A list of past projects

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