Peer Network Programme Webinar Fergus Arkley and Charlotte Cassedanne 14 June 2016
What we ll cover today A bit about Power to Change Why peer networks? What is the Peer Network Programme? What is the Community of Practice? Who can apply? Application process Any questions
A bit about Power to Change
A brief introduction to Power to Change New charitable trust established in 2015 to grow, support and develop community business in England 150 million endowment from Big Lottery Fund to spend over 10 years
What is community business?
Why peer networks?
Why peer networks? 72% of community businesses work closely with other community businesses 1 69% actively support the development of other community businesses 1 The Community Business Market 2015, Social Finance report Extensive market consultation EOIs in 2015 to consult with market showed appetite for investment in peer networks Research mapping showed gap in peer network services Wider consultation with stakeholders and orgs to design programme Market testing with peer network providers and Community Business Panel
Peer network examples Successful peer to peer network of CSA farms Initially established by Soil Association using Making Local Food Work funding Developed a membership model (fee based) and grew significantly via increased connections Not only open to the 45 CSA member farms - CSA encourages anyone to join who supports their vision Spun off from Soil Association Co-operatives UK established Energy Mentoring: peer to peer mentoring network across 33 community energy groups Mentors provide and charge for essential support and guidance to other start up energy co-ops Peer to peer network is able to leverage in additional funding and resources from the energy co-ops The unit cost of each peer mentoring intervention is approx. 2,500 per group (Groups supported have raised 2,641,000 from Community Share offers) Developing professional services, match funding sources to cross-subsidise Kitemark to professionalise membership
What is the peer network programme?
What is the Peer Network programme? 18 month 750,000 programme working with 10-12 peer network organisations to develop better community business peer networks by: Funding community business peer network activities up to 75,000 grants Funding a Community of Practice to innovate and share best practice with the sector
What is the Community of Practice? Practitioners from each funded organisation will explore challenges and success factors to assist peer networks to become more self-sustaining Dedicated space (time, resources and facilitation) for network practitioners to connect and collaborate with each other Quarterly face-to-face meetings, live online events and ongoing collaboration through an online platform Introduce fresh experiences and input from a range of experts from inside and outside of the community business sector
Can you apply?
Who can apply? Existing peer network in a position to expand its activity to improve and increase support for more community businesses. Essential criteria Peer network to be in operation in England over the length of the programme (18 months). Should have a charitable purpose, in addition to 'advancement of industry and commerce' charitable purpose. Show how your peer network operates for public benefit. Any private benefit should be incidental.
Who can apply? Practitioner for the Community of Practice part of the organisation applying for funding. Essential criteria Individual who manages or leads your organisation s established peer network An understanding, and a passion, for community business Capacity to commit a minimum of 1.5 day per month staff time (per network practitioner) to Peer Network Programme Community of Practice over 18 months. Option to allocate up to 10,000 of grant request to cover staff and expense cost to participate
What can you apply for?
Up to 75,000 grant to fund activity that strengthens self-sustaining networks by: Growing the number of community businesses involved in peer networking Creating new connections and interactions Increasing collaboration and the motivation to cooperate in the individuals involved Becoming self-generating - for instance through increasing the ability to replicate and grow Average grant size: 50,000
Other criteria Other funding sources Power to Change will not fund above 75,000 and welcome additional funding sources e.g. donations, in kind, grants State Aid Relates to certain EU regulations around competition, which Power to Change must abide by. Can be complex. Get advice. Readiness Your funded peer network activity will be ready to start within three 3 months of award and be completed by March 2018.
The application process
Key dates 25 July: Application window opens 12 August: Application window closes at 12pm 18 August-1 September: Peer review Mid-September: Shortlist interviews End of September: Grants awarded Early October: Community of Practice starts
How to apply 1. Read the guidance on our website www.thepowertochange.org.uk/suppo rt-and-resources/peer-networking 2. Apply on our website from 25 July 3. Peer assess other applicants Need help? Email peer@thepowertochange.org.uk
Questions
Thank you Please contact: peer@thepowertochange.org.uk