Lessons learned
Fair Share Trust is different to other funding programmes because we work with communities and involve them in decision making. We’re trying something new so there’s bound to be learning which could benefit others in future.
These examples highlight some of our learning from the past 7 years.
- Dudley
Lesson learned in brief: it takes time to build relationships amongst community groups with different interests.
- Walsall
Lesson leaned in brief: with the right strategy, you can get groups that have been historically isolated to work together.
- Wansbeck
Lesson learned in brief: projects that not in direct response to local people identifying the need may take a while for the community to take ownership of.
- Blyth Valley
Lesson learned in brief: panels need to be persistant and delivery partners need to be fully aware that Fair Share funding is not guaranteed.
- North Somerset
Lesson learned in brief: the value and impact of the role of the Local Panel in shifting attitudes from service delivery towards strategic development and sustainability in the later stages of the programme.
- North Somerset
Lesson learned in brief: the timely input of a relatively small grant at an important time in an organisation's development can have a large impact.
- Blaenau Gwent, Wales
Lesson learned in brief: access to match funding is dictated by the other funder’s timetable.
- Neath Port Talbot, Wales
Lesson learned in brief: have more than 1 iron in the fire, and have multiple applications to many funders to ensure that the project can continue.
- Hyndburn
Lesson learned in brief: The importance of supporting groups even when their project has come to an end.
- Merseyside - Remaining grant allocation and moving towards evaluation
Lessons learned in brief: Having a dedicated Fair Share Trust Grants Manager and Support Worker has allowed us to develop a clear and manageable action plan for all wards in respect of the final years of the programme.