Learning published by IVAR on impact of unrestricted funding with Peter Minet Trust and other funders

A shared endeavour: Five approaches to assessing the impact of unrestricted funding

Written in June 2024 by: Ben Cairns, Liz Firth, Chris Mills (IVAR)

Peter Minet Trust contributed to research led by research agency and charity, IVAR, that explored the different ways funders, large and small, are assessing the impact of unrestricted funding. You can read it here.

The report includes case studies from Peter Minet Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Impetus, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, Millfield House Foundation, Pears Foundation, Peter Cundill Foundation, Robertson Trust and The Fore

IVAR says: 

'Commissioned by Co-op Foundation, IVAR's  latest report explores how open and trusting funders approach the question of ‘impact’.

It starts with minimising tailored, often complex, reporting requirements and using conversations as a means of gathering qualitative information for analysis and learning.

Whether you are a funder who offers unrestricted funding, or a charity in receipt of it, the findings will speak to those who are looking for more equal and open relationships with funded organisations, and those who want to make informed judgements about their contribution to positive social change.

We hope this work enables both groups to use the five approaches collaboratively to assess impact, building the evidence base for unrestricted funding and ultimately driving wider adoption of it.'