Evaluation partners, Kerry Swain, Sarah Frost, Kathryn Crowther and Sue Cook, published the first-year evaluation of grants awarded through our Older People and Communities programmes (2024–2029).
The report highlights the impact of person-centred, values-led approaches across both programmes. Funded projects created safe, inclusive spaces and prioritised empathy, trust, and one-to-one support, often delivered through skilled staff, dedicated volunteers, and strong local partnerships. Delivery was flexible and collaborative, tailored to the complex and varied needs of communities and older adults alike.
Despite similar success factors, projects faced distinct challenges, including, rising demand, funding gaps, staffing pressures and wider systemic issues such as housing insecurity and shifting policies. Even so, grantees reported tangible outcomes, including improved wellbeing, reduced isolation and stronger social connections.
Looking ahead, the report calls for continued multi-year core funding, larger grants to meet rising needs and greater support for evaluation. Embedding co-production and expanding wellbeing offers were also seen as essential to ensuring people and communities can shape the services they rely on.
Read the First-Year Evaluation of Grants Report and Executive Summary
Grantee case studies that formed part of the first year evaluation of the Older People & Housing Programme (2024-2029)
Case Study - Third Age Project
Case Study - Covent Garden Dragon Hall Trust
Grantee case studies that formed part of the first year evaluation of the Church & Communities Programme (2024-2029)
Case Study - The Junction Foundation