We were delighted to host independent evaluators Sarah Frost and Sue Cook, key speakers Hoda Darawasha from CREST, Dan Northover from Handcrafted and Kay Nicholson from A Way Out and, 20 grant holders funded by our Church & Communities programme, for a participative learning event on 14 November 2025.  

Held in Darlington the event offered an opportunity for grant holders to connect, share experiences and learn from each other. Key themes included the challenging financial context and increased community need, as well as a real desire for greater collaboration and sharing of learning between charities. 

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We work closely with research and evaluation partners across our funding programmes to generate shared Insights & Learnings and to facilitate collaborative learning amongst our grantees. This approach not only allows our partners to evaluate their findings and adapt their delivery but also strengthens our understanding of the sector and informs future grantmaking. 

Our Church & Community funding programme seeks to build stronger communities, supporting areas of deprivation, minoritised groups, refugees and people who are homeless and deliver better outcomes for families and unpaid carers facing poverty or other challenges. 

Read our 1st year evaluation report here which includes insight from our Church & Communities funding programme.