ACT
currently has two programme initiatives running, through which a handful of
operational charities are being supported. These are as follows:
a. Tackling
Homelessness Across the Generations in Bristol. This is a pilot project looking
at how better family and parenting support and more coordinated partnerships
between services can help families with an experience of homelessness and give
better chances to their children.
Five
voluntary sector service providers in Bristol are being supported by ACT to
deliver key services to some of the most vulnerable homeless families in the
city. Working together and with several departments of the city council, the
pilot project hopes to develop a better understanding of how to improve outcomes
for parents and their children. More information on this pilot can be found on
the page
“work with current partners”.
As a pilot
project, the intention of this programme is to gather evidence and to share the
experience of our funding partners both within Bristol and more widely. We would
be interested to hear from any organisations, working in Bristol or in other
areas, that are also contributing to this field.
b. Supporting
new initiatives that are innovative, replicable and sustainable Traditionally,
ACT has supported the set-up and growth of new organisations, led by
inspirational individuals that are passionate about solving social problems and
helping vulnerable people. Over the years, ACT has supported a wide range of new
set-ups or organisations that are going through a step change in their
development.
Our approach
to this work involves more than grant-giving and we pride ourselves in our very
engaged approach to supporting organisations. Typically we support the
organisation through a process of business and strategic planning, whether or
not we go on to provide financial support. In relation to non-financial support,
we engage with both the executive and the board. In most cases (but only where
there is felt to be added value to the charity) we place a trustee on the board
of the grantee organisation. A plan for on-going consultation and advice will
also support the leadership and staff.
Trustees
remain interested in hearing from leaders of organisations who are addressing
genuine needs in an innovative way and who believe that their approach will be
both replicable and sustainable.
A further
strategic review of our grant-making is planned for the autumn of 2010 during
which both of the above approaches will be looked at. In the meantime, if your
work fits either of these programmes,
please do send an introductory
email to Siân Edwards, ACT’s Director.
