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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BlogCarrying the Big Local flame: what happens when funders hand over power?
Read more: Carrying the Big Local flame: what happens when funders hand over power?As Local Trust prepares to close, a new pilot by IVAR and Yorkshire Funders…
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BlogM&A as stewardship, not absorption
Read more: M&A as stewardship, not absorptionAcross civil society, financial pressure and turbulence are making mergers an urgent topic. Bonnie…
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BlogArrive gently and stay a while: how two funders chose prevention
Read more: Arrive gently and stay a while: how two funders chose preventionPractical lessons for funders taking prevention seriously: how two grant-makers are moving money away…
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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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PublicationCollective Futures – Learning from Discovery Partners
Read more: Collective Futures – Learning from Discovery PartnersThis briefing shares learning from Collective Futures’ Discovery Partners programme, exploring what a relational,…
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PublicationNot just another grant: Lessons from the development of three citizen-led pooled funds
Read more: Not just another grant: Lessons from the development of three citizen-led pooled fundsFunders were not simply seen as financial backers but as co-producers of change. Pooled…
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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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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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PublicationFunding differently for systems change
Read more: Funding differently for systems changeAcross the funding sector, funders are showing a growing interest in collaborative, equitable and…
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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…
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PageThe AI Exchange
Read more: The AI ExchangeAI is rapidly changing funding. As a sector, we need to shape what comes…