Welcome to IVAR. We are an independent charity that works closely with people and organisations striving for social change. From the very small that directly support the most vulnerable in their local communities, to those that work nationally – across the voluntary, public and funding sectors.
We use research to develop practical responses to the challenges faced and create opportunities for people to learn from our findings. This site is home to our bank of research and resources, providing insights that can help organisations adapt to change and make informed and confident decisions.
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Latest publications
Duty to Care?
How to ensure grant-making helps and doesn’t hinder
We believe that foundations could be making adaptations to their grant-making practices in response to the circumstances and needs of small to medium voluntary organisations.
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The value of small
What is distinctive and valuable about small charities relative to their larger counterparts and public sector bodies? We found three features that set them apart, and explored current funding challenges.
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The Future for Communities
How can people in our most disadvantaged communities feel and be more powerful in the future? This report concludes an 18 month research project that heard from over 800 people.
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Blogs
07 March 2019
Community Health Melas
Kevin Walsh | District Governor for Rotary Clubs throughout Cumbria and Lancashire 2013-14
The concept is simple; give people the opportunity to have a Health MOT in a friendly, safe environment and provide them with the advice required to make appropriate lifestyle choices. This provides a framework for the NHS and local government to work with volunteers around priorities highlighted in the NHS Long Term Plan – particularly around early diagnosis and prevention.
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28 February 2019
Freedom to report… visually
Anne Dannerolle | CEO of Hull Community Church
Anne Dannerolle, CEO of Hull Community Church, was part of a group of funded organisations and funders who developed the New Principles for Grant Reporting, which are currently being tested. She shares her experience of reporting to The National Lottery Community Fund.
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