Devon Community Foundation
Established in 1996, Devon Community Foundation is a unique organisation, privileged to be working alongside people who are motivated by wanting to make a difference across Devon. We use our knowledge of local needs and the voluntary sector to manage high impact distribution of funds designed to achieve sustainable outcomes, awarding financial support on behalf of our Fund holders and donors, which enable local people to achieve inspiring change in their communities. The Foundation provides a flexible and personal way for individuals and organisations to invest in local projects, helping to ensure Devon’s communities thrive. The Foundation’s philanthropy advice and grant making services are quality assured through UK Community Foundations and endorsed by the Charity Commission.
Overview
Total reviews: 13
Median 4.5 hours
Latest Reviews
Nov 13, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
It is important to stress the impact your service has on the local community as a whole.
Pros
Gives more than money
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?
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
They always listen to grant requests and polite when rejecting but suggest alternative options.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Interacts well after the grant has been awarded and keeps you informed of future available grants. Also trustees attend to have a hands-on experience when they can.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Shorter application and the wording of some questions makes it difficult not to repeat what has already been mentioned in a previous question which is rather time consuming and pointless.
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 Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and comments. We agree with you that it is important for organisations to tell us what difference they are making locally, how the wider impact of their support and delivery is helping to build thriving communities. It is this information that helps us to understand the challenges being faced locally and how they are being addressed, providing an insight into how future funding can best suit both not-for-profit organisations and the communities that they support.
We are aware that there are opportunities to make the application process a simpler one, especially for smaller organisations. As part of our current review of the application process we will consider your comments about the application form so thank you for your honest feedback, which is appreciated.
Unfortunately, we do sometimes have to reject applications, whether due to ineligibility, insufficient funds available or due to panel rejection but where possible we will suggest potential alternative sources of funding, which we hope will prove successful for those organisations or projects we have not been able to fund.
Nov 12, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
I would suggest they speak to the Grants Team and check that they are eligible to apply. The Grants Team are really helpful and knowledgeable.
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Registering for a grant the DCF website is really easy and the information is very clear.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
DCF are very good at connecting with the local communities the fund. They are so helpful and are not obstructive in any way.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
They are very clear about what they fund.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
More visits to grantees/projects to see the work happening.
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?
DCF takes time to get to know the projects they fund - they invest in building meaningful and authentic relationships, which means their is confidence in reapplying for grants and reporting back on outcomes.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and valuable feedback. It is good to hear that you found the website easy and information is very clear but we are aware that some organisations have found it difficult to navigate when applying for grants. The good news is that we are in the process of redesigning our website and when relaunched in 2020 the process for applying for grants should be much simpler.
We regularly arrange visits to organisations and projects to see first-hand what difference they are making within their local communities and to help us understand local challenges. Whilst we appreciate how important these visits are, we are restricted as to how many of the amazing organisations across Devon that we can get to but please be assured that we do get out and about as much as we can and if we haven't visited you yet, you may be included on our next schedule of visits.
Nov 12, 2019
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2018
Ask the funder if you fit the criteria of the fund you are interested in. When filling in the application tell your story honestly, be clear about your vision, state what your goals are and how much it will cost to achieve those goals, allowing for growth. Have all your documentation to hand i.e. Bank Statements, Constitution, Accounts, Photos. Don't be afraid to ask for help
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 lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Whenever I have approached this funder they have been very helpful and never too busy to advise.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
My experience of this funder has been a very good one for the last 12 years. When I first approached them I had no experience of seeking funding for the charities I have run. They told me the most appropriate funding to go for and gave me advice with my applications. They have also visited both charities I have run and it was great to be able to tell them how we were using the funding.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
This funder is extremely approachable.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep doing what you are doing.
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?
No
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review. This feedback helps to highlight that building relationships with local organisations and undertaking visits is high on our agenda in collaborative working and gaining an insight into the real challenges faced by both local communities and the organisations that are working hard to support them.
Nov 11, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
We found them really clear and friendly in their communication and the form easy to use. Rare to have personalised advice also and much appreciated.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2017
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
Communication - clear and simple and good at replying to email and questions. Helpful guidance.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep up the good work - especially in helping small charities find core costs which can free us up to grow bigger and more sustainable in the near future.
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 Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and feedback, which is appreciated. We work hard as a team to appropriately support the many organisations across Devon who come to us for grant funding, aiming to provide help and guidance where needed, so it is good to hear that this is the positive experience you received.
We work closely with our donors to encourage them to consider core cost funding as we fully appreciate what difference this can make, especially to smaller organisations looking to ensure their future sustainability, and are pleased to advise that we now have several funds which will contribute to core costs.
Aug 18, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Speak or email the grant advisor to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Pros
Insightful
Friendly
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
The application was simple and to the point. You could email or hand write and post the application.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I am positive they will help if they can and you meet the eligibility requirements.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Communication. I was aware of each step of the process and was kept fully informed.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep doing what you are doing.
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?
They funded what some would consider a ‘new age’ therapy for 6 months with little known nationally about it. The results my two children have is nothing short of miraculous. Both have a neurological degenerative condition and were virtually quadriplegic last Christmas, after several months of funded treatment, they are both moving their arms, able to turn over in bed, sit upright in their wheelchairs and my son is even eating again. The biggest bonus is they are smiling because they are happy! - Priceless
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback and lovely to hear what a difference the funding for therapy has made for your children and your family. We too are smiling! We sincerely hope that the learning from the therapy sessions will facilitate further movement abilities for your children. It is reassuring to know that we are communicating well with our grantees. As this would have been an application for funding for an individual, rather than an organisation, the application process is not an online one, so emails or paper documents are accepted. For organisations applying to us for funding, there is an online application process, with an expectation that supporting documents are uploaded at the time of application. That said, in cases where IT difficulties arise, we will work flexibly with the applicant to ensure we receive necessary documents in order for the application to be an eligible one.
Nov 13, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
It is important to stress the impact your service has on the local community as a whole.
Pros
Gives more than money
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?
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
They always listen to grant requests and polite when rejecting but suggest alternative options.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Interacts well after the grant has been awarded and keeps you informed of future available grants. Also trustees attend to have a hands-on experience when they can.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Shorter application and the wording of some questions makes it difficult not to repeat what has already been mentioned in a previous question which is rather time consuming and pointless.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and comments. We agree with you that it is important for organisations to tell us what difference they are making locally, how the wider impact of their support and delivery is helping to build thriving communities. It is this information that helps us to understand the challenges being faced locally and how they are being addressed, providing an insight into how future funding can best suit both not-for-profit organisations and the communities that they support. We are aware that there are opportunities to make the application process a simpler one, especially for smaller organisations. As part of our current review of the application process we will consider your comments about the application form so thank you for your honest feedback, which is appreciated. Unfortunately, we do sometimes have to reject applications, whether due to ineligibility, insufficient funds available or due to panel rejection but where possible we will suggest potential alternative sources of funding, which we hope will prove successful for those organisations or projects we have not been able to fund.
Nov 12, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
I would suggest they speak to the Grants Team and check that they are eligible to apply. The Grants Team are really helpful and knowledgeable.
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Registering for a grant the DCF website is really easy and the information is very clear.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
DCF are very good at connecting with the local communities the fund. They are so helpful and are not obstructive in any way.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
They are very clear about what they fund.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
More visits to grantees/projects to see the work happening.
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?
DCF takes time to get to know the projects they fund - they invest in building meaningful and authentic relationships, which means their is confidence in reapplying for grants and reporting back on outcomes.
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and valuable feedback. It is good to hear that you found the website easy and information is very clear but we are aware that some organisations have found it difficult to navigate when applying for grants. The good news is that we are in the process of redesigning our website and when relaunched in 2020 the process for applying for grants should be much simpler. We regularly arrange visits to organisations and projects to see first-hand what difference they are making within their local communities and to help us understand local challenges. Whilst we appreciate how important these visits are, we are restricted as to how many of the amazing organisations across Devon that we can get to but please be assured that we do get out and about as much as we can and if we haven't visited you yet, you may be included on our next schedule of visits.
Nov 12, 2019
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2018
Ask the funder if you fit the criteria of the fund you are interested in. When filling in the application tell your story honestly, be clear about your vision, state what your goals are and how much it will cost to achieve those goals, allowing for growth. Have all your documentation to hand i.e. Bank Statements, Constitution, Accounts, Photos. Don't be afraid to ask for help
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 lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Whenever I have approached this funder they have been very helpful and never too busy to advise.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
My experience of this funder has been a very good one for the last 12 years. When I first approached them I had no experience of seeking funding for the charities I have run. They told me the most appropriate funding to go for and gave me advice with my applications. They have also visited both charities I have run and it was great to be able to tell them how we were using the funding.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
This funder is extremely approachable.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep doing what you are doing.
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?
No
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review. This feedback helps to highlight that building relationships with local organisations and undertaking visits is high on our agenda in collaborative working and gaining an insight into the real challenges faced by both local communities and the organisations that are working hard to support them.
Nov 11, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
We found them really clear and friendly in their communication and the form easy to use. Rare to have personalised advice also and much appreciated.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
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 amount requested
What year was this experience?
2017
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
Communication - clear and simple and good at replying to email and questions. Helpful guidance.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep up the good work - especially in helping small charities find core costs which can free us up to grow bigger and more sustainable in the near future.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and feedback, which is appreciated. We work hard as a team to appropriately support the many organisations across Devon who come to us for grant funding, aiming to provide help and guidance where needed, so it is good to hear that this is the positive experience you received. We work closely with our donors to encourage them to consider core cost funding as we fully appreciate what difference this can make, especially to smaller organisations looking to ensure their future sustainability, and are pleased to advise that we now have several funds which will contribute to core costs.
Aug 18, 2019
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Speak or email the grant advisor to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Pros
Insightful
Friendly
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
The application was simple and to the point. You could email or hand write and post the application.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I am positive they will help if they can and you meet the eligibility requirements.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Communication. I was aware of each step of the process and was kept fully informed.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep doing what you are doing.
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?
They funded what some would consider a ‘new age’ therapy for 6 months with little known nationally about it. The results my two children have is nothing short of miraculous. Both have a neurological degenerative condition and were virtually quadriplegic last Christmas, after several months of funded treatment, they are both moving their arms, able to turn over in bed, sit upright in their wheelchairs and my son is even eating again. The biggest bonus is they are smiling because they are happy! - Priceless
Reply from Devon Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback and lovely to hear what a difference the funding for therapy has made for your children and your family. We too are smiling! We sincerely hope that the learning from the therapy sessions will facilitate further movement abilities for your children. It is reassuring to know that we are communicating well with our grantees. As this would have been an application for funding for an individual, rather than an organisation, the application process is not an online one, so emails or paper documents are accepted. For organisations applying to us for funding, there is an online application process, with an expectation that supporting documents are uploaded at the time of application. That said, in cases where IT difficulties arise, we will work flexibly with the applicant to ensure we receive necessary documents in order for the application to be an eligible one.