28 August 2007

A national partnership has been commissioned by the Finance Hub to research the feasibility of establishing of a Funding Advice National Network (FANN) in England. The partnership, led by fit4funding, includes Funding Information North East, South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau, Wiltshire CIB, NAVCA and the Institute of Fundraising.

The case for a national network to support advisers came from a report by Sheffield Hallam University produced last year for the Finance Hub. Research found a substantial level of activity through Funding Advisers Networks (FANs) across England. The vast majority of respondents (73%) to the research were in favour of creating a national funding advisers network.

The first stage of this work is to develop and consult on a feasibility study. Over 42 networks identified are expected to participate in the survey, in addition to a wide range of third sector organisations.

Those working in providing funding advice to third sector organisations are invited to participate. This is to be followed by a more detailed business planning process later in the year.

However, sustainability is more important than scale. Respondents preferred to start with something smaller that was sustainable, rather than attempt to establish a larger body that was not sustainable.

The survey is now closed, for more information about the project contact fit4funding.