In this session, Abi O'Connor, Lead Researcher at New Economics Foundation, shared findings from a 10-month co-produced research project - funded by Lloyds Bank Foundation and the Legal Education Foundation - exploring the experiences of organisations run by and for the communities they serve.
The research surfaced key insights into the challenges these organisations face, from resourcing and relationship-building to navigating complex, sensitive contexts. Using a participatory approach, the New Economics Foundation centred on capacity building, network strengthening, and understanding the specificities of differing contexts on the ground.
Check out the session highlights below for an insight into the struggles faced by organisations as narrated by them, including analysis on geographical and sectoral similarities and differences. They also shared tangible examples of how funding processes can be improved to make them more accessible, inclusive and connected to communities and the organisations that support them.