Evaluation partners, Kerry Swain, Sarah Frost, Kathryn Crowther and Sue Cook, have published the second-year evaluation of grants awarded through our Church & Communities and Older People & Housing programmes (2024-2029).
The Year 2 evaluation reviewed 145 active grants and found that Mercers' funding is improving people's lives, strengthening organisations and supporting wider societal change. Across both programmes, funded organisations continue to deliver community-based, person-centred support that helps people feel connected, valued and able to access the support they need. Grantees identified several approaches as central to their impact, including building trusted relationships, valuing lived experience, listening to people's voices and responding flexibly to individual circumstances.
The evaluation highlights positive outcomes for participants, including improved wellbeing, stronger social connections and reduced loneliness. Through activities ranging from community hubs and befriending services to housing support, creative programmes and advice services, organisations are helping tackle poverty, isolation and inequality while creating opportunities for people to thrive within their communities.
This year's evaluation explored organisational resilience. Despite operating in an increasingly challenging environment characterised by rising demand, growing complexity and intense competition for funding, 95% of grantees reported high levels of resilience. Multi-year funding, support for core costs, strong partnerships, effective leadership and investment in staff wellbeing were all identified as important factors in helping organisations remain sustainable and responsive.
The report also highlights the growing role of co-production, with organisations increasingly involving participants and communities in shaping, delivering and improving services. Looking ahead, the evaluation identifies opportunities to build on this work through continued investment in flexible funding, support for evaluation and impact measurement, and further opportunities for learning and collaboration across the sector.
Read the Year 2 Evaluation of Grants Executive Summary and Report.
Year 2 Executive Summary
Year 2 Report
Grantee case studies that formed part of the Year 2 evaluation of the Older People & Housing Programme (2024-2029)
- Case Study – Sydenham Garden (Sow and Grow Project)
- Case Study – Positive East (Older People's Programme)
- Case Study – Menscraft
- Case Study – Hackney Showroom (New Future Collective / Friday Lunch Club)
Grantee case studies that formed part of the Year 2 evaluation of the Church & Communities Programme (2024-2029)
- Case Study – Christian Action & Resource Enterprise (CARE)
- Case Study – Cripplegate Foundation / Islington Giving (Carers Panel)
- Case Study – Caring Together
- Case Study – Footprints in the Community