Local Network Fund a great success
An independent evaluation of the Local Network Fund impact across the South-West region has recently been completed. It shows how the multi-million pound fund made a highly significant contribution to the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ strategy, and how county Community Foundations have been excellent local delivery agents.

Local Network Fund is funded by the Government and delivered throughout the South West by the seven Community Foundations covering the region. In Somerset, by the end of 2007, we will have distributed over £1.5m in small grants alone. Every single grant goes to local charities and community organisations working hard to help children, young people and their families overcome a wide range of disadvantages, from mental health to rural isolation.

The study concludes that we have been an excellent delivery vehicle: “local, knowledgable, cost effective and accessible”. Our local presence means that we can reach smaller more local groups that would otherwise struggle to compete with larger organisations for funding.

We are also able to support them with advice and information to ensure they are able to maximise the value of the grant. We understand that hard-pressed volunteers do not have the time to grapple with complex forms and bureaucracy, and we make sure that those that need assistance through the process of applying for funds are given that help. One grantee told the consultants “I cannot put into words the difference the Community Foundation has made to our work”.

Local Network Fund will close at the end of 2007 but we are working hard to find replacement funding to ensure that the good work already started can continue and that we can help other new initiatives get off the ground. In the meantime we still have funds available for grants for the rest of this year.

The Local Network Fund In The South West - An Evaluation Of The Fund's Impact 2001-2006 - To view this PDF please click here.

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