Blog
We feature the voices of charities, foundations and public agencies we work with, and share our take on both opportunities and challenges for the voluntary sector.
Recent blog posts
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BlogOpen and Trusting Comes to the Public Sector
Read more: Open and Trusting Comes to the Public SectorOpen and Trusting is expanding to the public sector. IVAR is inviting a small…
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BlogTen funders, one form: the story behind Yorkshire’s common application
Read more: Ten funders, one form: the story behind Yorkshire’s common applicationWhy do charities have to answer the same questions twenty different ways? Carla Marshall…
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BlogShifting power, building trust: Reflections from new Head of Open and Trusting, Helen Kersley
Read more: Shifting power, building trust: Reflections from new Head of Open and Trusting, Helen KersleyHow funding is delivered matters as much as what gets funded. In this introductory…
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BlogHas AI killed the grant application form? (And can we build it back better?)
Read more: Has AI killed the grant application form? (And can we build it back better?)AI is reshaping grant-making, putting unprecedented pressure on traditional application processes. In a design…
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BlogTrust-based learning: embracing collective wisdom
Read more: Trust-based learning: embracing collective wisdomEvaluation Roundtable Convenings – February 2026 The February 2026 Evaluation Roundtable continued our exploration…
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BlogCommunity buildings: strong foundations for renewal
Read more: Community buildings: strong foundations for renewalCommunity buildings are where a neighbourhood comes together: to meet, to organise, to reach…
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BlogThree Futures for Civil Society: Financialised, Fragmented or Re-Mutualised
Read more: Three Futures for Civil Society: Financialised, Fragmented or Re-MutualisedCivil society doesn’t have one future ahead of it. It has several, and the…
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BlogTrust and AI: How Open and Trusting funders are communicating about AI
Read more: Trust and AI: How Open and Trusting funders are communicating about AICharities applying for funding have always had to second-guess what funders want. Now, with…
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BlogDoes Civil Society Have a Definitional Problem, Or a Leadership Moment?
Read more: Does Civil Society Have a Definitional Problem, Or a Leadership Moment?What makes an organisation part of civil society? This used to be a straightforward…
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BlogIs the Voluntary Sector Still ‘Voluntary’? The Future of Civil Society
Read more: Is the Voluntary Sector Still ‘Voluntary’? The Future of Civil SocietyVolunteering has quietly been in decline for over a decade, while paid labour in…
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BlogBetter spent? Lessons from the Foundations Spending Down
Read more: Better spent? Lessons from the Foundations Spending Downby Lara Bautista The decision to distribute all of your resources and close, or…
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BlogFunding for systems change: what Propel taught us
Read more: Funding for systems change: what Propel taught usBy Jo Brown, Deputy Director of Research, IVAR There is considerable interest right now…