The current challenges within systems of funding and public engagement highlight the need for a shift toward healthier, more equitable structures. Alternatives emerge when there is purposeful intent to commit to values such as trust, openness and relationship–building.
In the world of community development, we always welcome new funding approaches and new ways of working that help shift power to communities. The Ideas Fund is certainly doing all of this. In January 2021 we at the North-West Community Network, began our journey with the British Science Association, home to The Ideas Fund initiative. We were embarking on a new and exciting project – to fulfil a Development Coordinator role within the Derry City & Strabane council area – supporting groups with their projects. Three other areas are also involved in this work – Hull, Oldham, and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. There was a clear sense of not knowing everything at the outset, to be prepared to uncover new insights and adapt along the way!
This was a flexible approach to funding, like we had never experienced before. Traditional funding models often emphasise compliance and control, whereas The Ideas Fund nurtures genuine partnerships with a focus on learning and collaboration. Community groups were invited to submit an application to work in partnership with a researcher on community–led projects that impact well–being.
16 projects were funded within the Derry City & Strabane area. Projects ranged from working with young people to encourage altruism, to a group of wellbeing practitioners who have developed holistic activities alongside a group of patients, embedded within a GP surgery.
The flexible funding framework allowed for both emergence and the space to let projects evolve based on the needs of the community, unlike traditional hierarchical models of funding where funders can be distant from the realities of the communities they aim to serve. This flexibility also encouraged innovation and creativity, and projects took up opportunities which a rigid funding structure might not allow. Many of the projects are having a life–changing impact.
This work feels like a true example of relational funding, being supportive at all stages of the funding process. This included adapting the application process from Round One to a more relational approach in Round Two. Giving incubation time for communities and researchers to develop trust and work on their application together. The approach from the outset was true collaboration and authentic partnership working.
The Ideas Fund team treat us as equal partners in our Development Coordinator roles, and this has filtered down into our regular Communities of Practice sessions to bring all the funded groups together. This work has also included a lot of time to reflect and review. A space for reflection – to listen to each other to build trust and understanding – has been embedded throughout this process. There has been a unique genuineness throughout this collaboration – and an honesty which has helped to create a trusted space. The reflection time allowed us to identify challenges for groups in partnering with researchers and vice versa. We are now working in partnership with Ulster University through our Community Research Collective to address some of these challenges such as navigating ethics frameworks/systems and addressing the complexities of intellectual property.
The partnership approach with the researcher has challenged the traditional research model, which historically for communities can be quite an extractive experience – where communities give their time and resources to the researcher and can be left with little reward. Researchers involved in the projects have echoed this and told us how they do their work has changed. They indicated they have learned a lot and that being involved with the projects has ignited a passion for community research. The shift from traditional research into a more meaningful engagement process hasn’t been without its challenges. This includes pressure on researchers with the need to maintain a strong research profile for their career advancement, and the expectation to meet institutional research goals.
The Ideas Fund has begun a fundamental shift in valuing knowledge and ensuring that community organisations are truly recognised as lead partners. This initiative is also about more than just funding individual projects – it’s about creating a ripple effect that nurtures healthier systems for the future. We will be sharing the learning and impact of the projects on communities, practitioners, researchers, universities and the wider community over the next few years.
Roisin McLaughlin is the Manager of the North-West Community Network – a Network organisation, which works to develop and support the community and voluntary sector in the Derry & Strabane district council area. Roisin has over 17 years’ experience of leading and working on community projects. She is a strong advocate of cross–sector collaboration and in working in partnership with others to bring about change.
