CFN & FST get star rating in funder survey
Posted on Wed 11 November 2009 | source: Full feedback commentary provided by Directory of Social Change
Ratings were based on 5 indicators:
- Availability. Does the funder make available all the information you expect and need to know?
- Contacts. Is there typically an appropriate person to talk to, with knowledge of the funding you’re interested in?
- Clarity. Is their information of funding digestible to the average reader?
- Relevance. Is it clear who the funding is aimed at and how the funder decides who receives funding?
- Applications. Is the application procedure fair and clear?
The full feedback on CFN was:
Funding body information
Community Foundation Network
Represents and supports the community foundation network in the UK. CFN aims to promote the concept of community foundations in the UK, stimulate and support their growth and best practice, and give support to individual community foundations and their networking with others. Community foundations are charities located across the UK which aim to strengthen local communities, create opportunities and tackle issues of disadvantage and exclusion.
DSC's Funder Rating 4.5/5 *
The CFN does not directly administer the Fair Share programme – instead it has appointed locally based partners, usually Community Foundations, and coordinates the programme nationally through its Fair Share Trust site.
Both the CFN general site and the FST site are very straightforward to navigate. The dedicated Fair Share Trust website is particularly well presented and is one of the most useful ‘national administrator’ sites we have come across. It includes good background information, a useful FAQ section, local updates and a '‘find your local agent’ page. In our experience we have found CFN staff to be helpful, knowledgeable and open to sharing information.
The local Community Foundations differ from area to area but the websites usually have plenty of information, clear contact details and suggestions on where to go for further support. The application procedures are also clearly explained and accomodate small voluntary and community organisations.