Over the past few years, we have been exploring participatory grant-making (PGM) and piloting projects. This approach involves engaging communities in funding decisions, and in recent weeks we’ve been sharing all things PGM related. If this is the first blog you’ve seen in our series and you want to know the basics of Participatory grant-making, you can read the first blog in our series, answering: What is PGM?

In today’s blog, our Knowledge & Learning Officer, Sarah Newton shares our key learnings and some recommendations from our pilot projects.

Successes of PGM

Our PGM pilot projects had different goals but shared common aims, such as responding to Covid-19, improving access for smaller groups, and addressing issues faced by young people. Here are some highlights of what went well:

Including small groups: PGM allowed us to fund low-capacity groups and organisations that were previously unknown to us. It opened doors for those who often face barriers in accessing funding.

Building strong relationships: These projects brought us closer to organizations and community members. By fostering trust and transparent communication, we created a solid foundation for collaboration and community support.

Empowers communities: By involving communities in funding decisions, it gave them the power to create change and address their own needs, fostering a sense of ownership.

Ensures diversity and inclusivity: By including diverse perspectives, the PGM projects led to more inclusive decisions that consider the unique experiences and needs of all stakeholders, promoting equity.

The Challenges

Time and Resource Intensive: PGM requires a significant investment of time and resources from both our the funding organisation and the projects involved. This lengthened timelines and increased administrative burdens for a few of our pilot project, potentially limiting the scale and efficiency of the grant-making process.

Complex Decision-Making: Involving multiple stakeholders in the decision-making process can introduce complexities. Each participant may have different perspectives, priorities, and interests, making it challenging to reach agreement on funding decisions.

Community Engagement: There were a few challenges around engaging the local community in the projects. However, one pilot found that providing a free lunch encouraged more locals to join.

By understanding and navigating these challenges, we can shape a future where grant-making is inclusive, equitable, and impactful.

Key learning and recommendations

Last week, we gave two examples of ways we’ve incorporated PGM into our work; looking at 2 different PGM models in action at the Fund. Based on our experiences, here are some key learnings and recommendations for anyone hoping to carry out PGM projects:

Key Learning

Widely Distributed Funding: PGM has the potential to reach lesser-known groups and distribute funding more broadly, promoting equity.

Time Commitment: PGM requires a significant time investment from funding staff and grant holders, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Recommendations

Building Relationships: Strong relationships are crucial for successful PGM. Allocate time to nurture these relationships and foster collaboration.

Early Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement monitoring from the beginning to make necessary adjustments during the project.

Our PGM projects in Scotland have demonstrated the power of engaging communities in funding  grant-making has shown its potential in engaging communities, improving access, and fostering collaboration. By addressing challenges and embracing our key learnings, we can create more equitable and impactful grant-making processes.