# Improving grant funding ![](https://cms.scvo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FTF-logo-rgb-2.jpg) As some of you will already know, [SCVO are taking a look at how to improve grant funding.](https://cms.scvo.org/post/2019/03/28/money-money-money/) We’re well aware that others in the sector have worked in this space over the years, so here’s a wee roundup of some of those approaches which will be informing our own work in the coming months. First off, IVAR and Esmée Fairbairn have been focussing on grant reporting. [Their recommendations](https://www.ivar.org.uk/publication/new-principles-for-grant-reporting/) include that funders are clear about the type of relationship they would like to have with the organisations they fund; and that funders only ask for information they need and use. Meanwhile, ESS have been focussing on evaluation. They stress [in their work]() that the gathering evidence of difference made, making sense of the information, and then communicating the key learning in a report should be useful for funders and funded alike. They also promote the principles of what they call ‘harmonising reporting’. Also in Scotland, Corra Foundation, Robertson Trust, VAF, Inspiring Scotland, and the National Lottery Fund amongst others are working hard to improve their own funding, with [most of these funders offering more than just money](), e.g.: advice for groups applying; capacity building; governance, finance and business planning support. Finally, back to England, we find New Philanthropy Capital, the Small Charities Coalition, and Charity Futures have all produced relevant work: Charity Futures on [how to encourage funders to cover core costs](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59c8dee3f14aa1916ae7ac27/t/5b3385e98a922dee48dc4d5e/1530103273950/To+The+Core+-+Charity+Futures.pdf); SCC on [how to best undertake evaluation and measure impact](https://www.smallcharities.org.uk/resources-evaluation-impact) within a small charity and NPC on [best practice for funders](). Our own work will be building on these and our own research, but, in the meantime, we hope you find some of these links useful in your own funding work as funders or fundees. --- ## About SCVO SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is the national membership organisation for Scotland's voluntary sector. Our role is to champion the role of voluntary organisations in Scotland and to support them to do work that has a positive impact. SCVO supports members and the wider voluntary sector with all aspects of setting up and running a voluntary organisation. SCVO represents the needs and concerns of the voluntary sector to the Scottish government in Holyrood and UK government and Westminster. Through our learning and events programme SCVO offers training and development opportunities to the sector. Members access an extensive membership benefits package including specialist, in-depth, 1-to-1 guidance from our Information Services team and from professional service partners. Access to exclusive membership networks (including comms, employers, governance and policy) supports members to grow their connections, stay up to date, exchange ideas and views with peers, and learn through tailored learning opportunities. SCVO members enjoy free access to Funding Scotland Premium to stay on top of funding opportunities to support their organisation’s financial resilience. Discounts and savings on SCVO products and services (including our HR service, managed IT support, payroll service and events and training) and partner offers provide members with support to allow them to focus on delivering their organisation’s goals. Further SCVO products and services include [extensive digital support](https://scvo.scot/support/digital), a climate action resource [Growing Climate Confidence](https://climateconfident.scot), a voluntary sector publication [Third Force News](https://tfn.scot) and a voluntary sector jobs and recruitment service [Goodmoves](https://goodmoves.org). For more information on SCVO membership, visit [SCVO membership](https://scvo.scot/membership)