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: 1
Median 2 hours
Latest Reviews
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
The new forms are clear, not repetitive and much better to complete.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
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
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I know that as a funder they had thoughts long and hard about how to be more accessible and to make their application process better. If I think about completing a Corra Foundation application I don't have the sense of dread I have with other funders
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The phone call was helpful as the advisor helped me understand what they wanted to see
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Three year funding is so crucial as reapplying each year can
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?
Just to make sure that they give them a call first and hear first hand what the funder is looking for when answering the questions. Often we know what we mean but can have difficulty in expressing this perfectly so getting outside help is also valuable.
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 really appreciate your feedback on the forms, earlier this year Corra Foundation conducted an applicant survey to help us to improve the application process. The team are always happy to offer advise and support as well. Thanks again :)
Nov 5, 2019
applied in 2019
I would tell them they are an approachable organisation and will assist with information and advice.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded tell us the outcome
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
Engaging with the community; getting to know individuals and building relationships. they also accept critique and work hard to resolve issues if this is the case.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Remember the small to medium charities that do the grass roots work - we understand providing grants to large charities probably means less administration but small to medium charities know their communities better than anyone
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 really happy to hear that you felt our insight was useful. Thanks 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 : )
Nov 5, 2019
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2019
The new forms are clear, not repetitive and much better to complete.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
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
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I know that as a funder they had thoughts long and hard about how to be more accessible and to make their application process better. If I think about completing a Corra Foundation application I don't have the sense of dread I have with other funders
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The phone call was helpful as the advisor helped me understand what they wanted to see
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Three year funding is so crucial as reapplying each year can
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?
Just to make sure that they give them a call first and hear first hand what the funder is looking for when answering the questions. Often we know what we mean but can have difficulty in expressing this perfectly so getting outside help is also valuable.
Reply from Corra Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We really appreciate your feedback on the forms, earlier this year Corra Foundation conducted an applicant survey to help us to improve the application process. The team are always happy to offer advise and support as well. Thanks again :)
Nov 5, 2019
applied in 2019
I would tell them they are an approachable organisation and will assist with information and advice.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded tell us the outcome
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
Engaging with the community; getting to know individuals and building relationships. they also accept critique and work hard to resolve issues if this is the case.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Remember the small to medium charities that do the grass roots work - we understand providing grants to large charities probably means less administration but small to medium charities know their communities better than anyone
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 really happy to hear that you felt our insight was useful. Thanks again :)