We provide the following services to funders:
The Funder evaluation & learning group
This is a peer support group for people who work in funders in Scotland and have a role in to undertake or support evaluation and learning within their fund and amongst grantholders.
Shared Learning Programme as a way of ‘reporting’
Our Shared Learning Programme is a way of ‘reporting’ where ESS facilitates a series of learning events for funded organisations and writes reports with thematic analysis, instead of organisations submitting full written reports.
Workshops for Funders
‘Getting the best from your grantholders’ workshop is for people who work for funders such as trusts and foundations, local authorities, Government and public bodies.
Tailored support services
Facilitated discussions & practical action planning – ideal for any evaluation challenge you’re facing as a team, project or organisation.
Resources for funders
We develop resources specifically targeted to funders, such as Getting the Best from External Evaluations – Principles for Funders.
Reporting best practice
See our tips and resources to ensure your reporting practice as a funder results in useful and proportionate reporting.
Evaluation Support Accounts
ESAs aim to help funded projects measure their impact, use learning to improve their work and report better to you.
We regularly work with independent Trusts and Foundations as well as Scottish Government and other Third Sector commissioners. We have funders on our Board as well as developing partnerships through the Scotland Funders’ Forum and most major funders of the Third Sector.
We continuously develop our support in response to what funders tell us they need.
What difference have we made to funders?
What has ESS ever done for us?
Survey results from attendees of ESS funder learning programme activities.
“I have learned a massive amount about the funded projects, self-evaluation, outcomes and the importance of evidence to support outcomes and the list goes on”.
– Elaine Black, Scottish Government
Funder case studies
We interviewed some third sector organisations and funders to explore issues around improving relationships between funder and funded organisations. Below are three case studies which illustrate the learning:
Funders and Funded Relationships Case Study: Clear communication and constructive feedback (Befrienders Highland)
Shows how the Big Lottery Fund supports the organisations they fund throughout the application and reporting stages.
Funders and Funded Relationships Case Study: Doing something different to feedback to our funders (Lightburn Elderly Association Project)
Shows funders how being flexible with reporting requirements can help funded organisations tell their story.
Funders and Funded Relationships Case Study: Adapting project outcomes if things don’t initially work out (CHANGES Community Health Project)
Shows how a learning approach can mutually benefit both funders and funded organisations.