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
Learning from funder responses to emergencies
In response to three different emergencies during Summer 2017 funders dispensed with ‘business as usual’ in order to provide urgent support to community organisations and services.
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Using the law to effect social change
Four lessons on strategic litigation from our case study of the collaborative process, led by Detention Action, that led to the suspension of the Detained Fast Track.
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Blogs
06 February 2018
“Surviving a merger was the biggest test of my career"
Leah Swain, CEO of Community First Yorkshire, talks in the Guardian Voluntary Sector Network about her experience of leading Rural Action Yorkshire through a merger with North Yorkshire and York Forum.
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23 January 2018
Are you ready to apply for core funding?
Houda Davis
Core funding is a bit of a holy grail – highly valued and very hard to come by. At IVAR, we’ve spent quite a bit of time talking to funders who give it and organisations who receive it. This articles makes suggestions about how you can make the case for core funding and ensure your organisation is ready to make the most of it.
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Learn more about IVAR