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Pre funding
Stage 1

Pre funding outreach and engagement

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  • Introduction

    Key considerations include:

    Time and Costs

    Co-design is not a quick fix—it requires time to build relationships, recruit diverse participants, and facilitate meaningful engagement. Budgeting for facilitation, participant compensation, and accessibility is essential. Online tools can reduce costs but should not replace thoughtful planning.

    Trust Building

    Trust is foundational and must be earned through transparency, consistency, and mutual respect. Funders should be open about constraints and demonstrate accountability. Trust enables honest dialogue and long-term collaboration.

    Participant support

    Inclusive co-design means addressing barriers such as language, digital access, and varying levels of experience. Providing training, translation, and flexible formats ensures that all voices can be heard and valued.

  • Key issues and challenges

    Co-design is not a quick fix—it requires time to build relationships, recruit diverse participants, and facilitate meaningful engagement. Budgeting for facilitation, participant compensation, and accessibility is essential. Online tools can reduce costs but should not replace thoughtful planning.

  • Existing Approaches

    Co-design is not a quick fix—it requires time to build relationships, recruit diverse participants, and facilitate meaningful engagement. Budgeting for facilitation, participant compensation, and accessibility is essential. Online tools can reduce costs but should not replace thoughtful planning.

  • Benefits and Disadvantages

    Co-design is not a quick fix—it requires time to build relationships, recruit diverse participants, and facilitate meaningful engagement. Budgeting for facilitation, participant compensation, and accessibility is essential. Online tools can reduce costs but should not replace thoughtful planning.

  • Conclusion

    Co-design is not a quick fix—it requires time to build relationships, recruit diverse participants, and facilitate meaningful engagement. Budgeting for facilitation, participant compensation, and accessibility is essential. Online tools can reduce costs but should not replace thoughtful planning.

Recommendations

  • Be clear about goals and boundaries

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Build trusting relationships early

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Allow time and resources for genuine participation

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Clarify roles and promote equal partnerships

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Make space for reflection and learning

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Avoid tokenism by focusing on purpose

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Invest in inclusive infrastructure

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Foster ownership through routine engagement

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

  • Be aware of the funder’s role and power dynamics 

    Set out the purpose of the co-design process from the start, including any limitations such as budget or time. Transparency helps manage expectations and builds trust.

Pre funding outreach and engagement

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Case studies

  • Case Study

    Bristol Impact Fund

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  • Case Study

    UHAI EASHRI

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  • Case Study

    National Women’s Law Centre (NWLC)

    In 2023, the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) launched the Community Impact Fund (CIF) to rethink how national organizations support grassroots change.

Stages of grant making