The Covid-19 emergency has prompted some funders to introduce simple online application processes and payments. But will this funding approach outlive the lockdown, asks Ben Wittenberg.
When the pandemic broke at the end of March and we entered lockdown, lots of grant -making trusts and foundations acted really quickly. Many de-restricted existing grants, and some even awarded additional funding to grantees without them needing to apply for it. Our survey showed that 30% of charities received additional support from an existing funder in those early weeks.
Is light-touch grant making the future?
New programmes were created, resourced and opened within days and weeks of the pandemic breaking, with simple and accessible online application processes, and payments made to successful applicants without the need for pen and ink copies of everything signed by trustees. “We trust you” was the clear message. You need help, we are here to give it – and to make receiving it as easy as humanly possible.
The question now is, will this stick for more funders, and what will that mean for the accessibility of funds for new applicants?... Keep reading on DSC
When the pandemic broke at the end of March and we entered lockdown, lots of grant -making trusts and foundations acted really quickly. Many de-restricted existing grants, and some even awarded additional funding to grantees without them needing to apply for it. Our survey showed that 30% of charities received additional support from an existing funder in those early weeks.
Is light-touch grant making the future?
New programmes were created, resourced and opened within days and weeks of the pandemic breaking, with simple and accessible online application processes, and payments made to successful applicants without the need for pen and ink copies of everything signed by trustees. “We trust you” was the clear message. You need help, we are here to give it – and to make receiving it as easy as humanly possible.
The question now is, will this stick for more funders, and what will that mean for the accessibility of funds for new applicants?... Keep reading on DSC