BIG has run a range of open programmes, including the Developing Communities programme in Scotland. These programmes typically focus on responding to needs identified by voluntary and community groups.
But across our funding we are interested in ensuring that groups develop their skills and confidence to deliver their and our outcomes more effectively. The Developing Communities programme did not identify that as a priority for what it wanted to achieve, but we wanted to find out how holding a grant and managing a project had increased groups’ capacity.
We commissioned Reid-Howie Associates to investigate this question and they reported to us in 2007.
In brief, the study found that holding a grant did have positive effects on groups’ skills and confidence, but there would have been more benefits if we had identified capacity-building as a specific priority for the programme.
Please contact us if you have any questions about the study.