Corra Foundation
Helping change the lives of people and communities in Scotland. Since 1985 Corra Foundation has distributed over £152 million in grants and made over 15,000 grants to help improve the lives of individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage all across Scotland and in developing countries.
Overview
Total reviews: 30
Median 10 hours
Latest Reviews
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2019
First of all carefully read all guidance note available online.
Fully read the application form.
Seek guidance from Corra staff, they are happy to help no matter how basic you enquiry. Also use additional support available.
Answer questions fully on application, provide answers Corra expect not answers you may like to provide as there is space for additional details.
Be clear about your outcomes, this is a crucial requirement.
Provide all additional documents required.
During the telephone interview provide any additional information clearly.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Staff at Corra are accessible, knowledgeable and helpful. I succeeded to contact staff by email, landline and mobile numbers.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Their goals are clearly outlined in their notes of guidance and website.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The process from initial contact through to evaluation is well considered and consistently administered.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Consider multi-year awards.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
N/A
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We highly value this feedback, please don't hesitate to get in touch if there's anything else. Thank you again.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Many thanks for this review of Corra. I think it's been accidentally posted to us (Two Ridings Community Foundation) instead, but I'm sure Corra will be pleased to see your feedback.
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
Be open and prepared to learn - Corra are one of the best funders we have in term of offering a balance of support and challenge!
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Invests in relationships with grantees and looks at the bigger picture. It also administers funds efficiently and effectively, hence Scottish Government trusting them to facilitate grant processes.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Please keep leading the way in your field, others can learn from you.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! It means so much to hear that you feel we provide a valuable service. Thank you again! : )
Nov 5, 2019
Other - applied in 2019
We attended a funding event and spoke directly to a representative, this was very helpful.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Corra is interested in making a difference to those in need. They recognise that deprivation and isolation can happen anywhere, not just in recognised areas of deprivation.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Forges relationships with their grantees and really listens to and understand the needs of small third sector organisations.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Partnership working with other funders works really well for small organisations as we don't have teams of paid executives tasked with completing funding applications.
We like that you expect the organisations you fund to have robust policies and procedures in place.
We appreciated you visiting our project.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! We're so glad that you appreciated our approach to smaller organisations. Please get in touch if you have any other suggestions. Thank you : )
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Make sure you read the priority guidelines first.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Insightful
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Flexibility in project start date thanks to good communication and understanding of charities' financial workings.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Ad'hoc continuation funding is a great idea for highly successful projects (fast track application to year 2 funding) though please also consider multi-year grants.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We hope that you were able to get the information you needed. We are always looking for ways to improve, so thank you for your suggestion too. Thank you! : )
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
Firstly, contact Corra Foundation and tell them your plans. Corra will advise if your proposal is viable. Corra Foundation staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Corra Foundation are thorough in their assessment process and are easy to get in touch with throughout the course of the grant.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The interview telephone conversation. The openness and encouragement to discuss projects with the Corra team.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
Corra Foundation grants have a wide criteria, which makes it more accessible to organisations and they fund core costs.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! We're so pleased to hear that you found our guidance helpful. We are always happy to offer support. Thank you again : )
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2019
First of all carefully read all guidance note available online.
Fully read the application form.
Seek guidance from Corra staff, they are happy to help no matter how basic you enquiry. Also use additional support available.
Answer questions fully on application, provide answers Corra expect not answers you may like to provide as there is space for additional details.
Be clear about your outcomes, this is a crucial requirement.
Provide all additional documents required.
During the telephone interview provide any additional information clearly.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Staff at Corra are accessible, knowledgeable and helpful. I succeeded to contact staff by email, landline and mobile numbers.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Their goals are clearly outlined in their notes of guidance and website.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The process from initial contact through to evaluation is well considered and consistently administered.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Consider multi-year awards.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
N/A
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We highly value this feedback, please don't hesitate to get in touch if there's anything else. Thank you again.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Many thanks for this review of Corra. I think it's been accidentally posted to us (Two Ridings Community Foundation) instead, but I'm sure Corra will be pleased to see your feedback.
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
Be open and prepared to learn - Corra are one of the best funders we have in term of offering a balance of support and challenge!
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Invests in relationships with grantees and looks at the bigger picture. It also administers funds efficiently and effectively, hence Scottish Government trusting them to facilitate grant processes.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Please keep leading the way in your field, others can learn from you.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! It means so much to hear that you feel we provide a valuable service. Thank you again! : )
Nov 5, 2019
Other - applied in 2019
We attended a funding event and spoke directly to a representative, this was very helpful.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Corra is interested in making a difference to those in need. They recognise that deprivation and isolation can happen anywhere, not just in recognised areas of deprivation.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Forges relationships with their grantees and really listens to and understand the needs of small third sector organisations.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Partnership working with other funders works really well for small organisations as we don't have teams of paid executives tasked with completing funding applications. We like that you expect the organisations you fund to have robust policies and procedures in place. We appreciated you visiting our project.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! We're so glad that you appreciated our approach to smaller organisations. Please get in touch if you have any other suggestions. Thank you : )
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Make sure you read the priority guidelines first.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Insightful
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Flexibility in project start date thanks to good communication and understanding of charities' financial workings.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Ad'hoc continuation funding is a great idea for highly successful projects (fast track application to year 2 funding) though please also consider multi-year grants.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We hope that you were able to get the information you needed. We are always looking for ways to improve, so thank you for your suggestion too. Thank you! : )
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
Firstly, contact Corra Foundation and tell them your plans. Corra will advise if your proposal is viable. Corra Foundation staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Corra Foundation are thorough in their assessment process and are easy to get in touch with throughout the course of the grant.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The interview telephone conversation. The openness and encouragement to discuss projects with the Corra team.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
Corra Foundation grants have a wide criteria, which makes it more accessible to organisations and they fund core costs.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review! We're so pleased to hear that you found our guidance helpful. We are always happy to offer support. Thank you again : )