Annual Conference 2024 Final Report: Exploring Participatory Grant Making
We are excited to announce the release of the final report from our Annual Conference 2024. This report delves into the growing practice of participatory grant making, where the decision-making power across grant funding is shifted towards those who are directly impacted by the issues being addressed. This approach helps to transform how funding decisions are made, aiming for a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable process.
Background and Purpose
The 2024 WMFN Annual Conference brought together nearly 100 attendees, including members, VCSEs organisations, and public bodies, to discuss and share insights on participatory grant making. This emerging trend reflects a shift in the funding landscape, where communities and people with lived experience are increasingly involved in deciding how funds are allocated. The conference aimed to enhance understanding of participatory principles in funding, share diverse models and approaches, and explore the challenges and opportunities this method presents.
What's Inside the Report
The report includes comprehensive coverage of the key topics discussed at the conference, including:
An overview of different participatory grant-making models shared by various funders.
Insights from six detailed workshops that explored practical examples and case studies.
Key reflections on the benefits, challenges, and next steps for implementing participatory grant making.
Why You Should Read the Report
For anyone involved in funding, community development, or the third sector, this report offers valuable insights into the future of grant making. It provides practical examples of how participatory approaches can be effectively implemented and the potential impact on communities. The report also addresses important questions, such as how to ensure that funds reach those most in need and how to measure the success of participatory grant making.
Key Contents and Recommendations
Among the highlights of the report are discussions on:
The success of the Commonwealth Games’ Celebrating Communities Fund in using participatory methods to distribute grants.
The innovative approach of The Phoenix Way Programme, aimed at addressing racial inequalities in grant funding.
The importance of involving beneficiaries as trustees, as seen in the Birmingham City Council’s Neighbourhood Development and Support Unit.
The report concludes with recommendations for funders looking to adopt participatory grant-making practices, emphasising the need for flexibility, inclusivity, and continuous learning.
We invite you to download a copy of the report and explore these insights in more detail. Click here to access the full report.
Conference Photos Credit: Taken and Edited by Anusha Chandra-Paisley: anushacp26@gmail.com
