EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Evaluation of the Community Champions Fund

Evaluation of the Community Champions Fund

Introduction

The Community Champions Fund was set up to help people who can inspire others to get more involved in renewing their neighbourhoods through participation in community groups.

Problem

The Community Champions Fund was set up by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to:

increase the skill levels of individuals to enable them to act as inspirational figures, community entrepreneurs, community mentors and community leaders; and
to increase the involvement of communities in regeneration and learning activity.
contribute to the Home Office-led target of increasing voluntary and community activity, including increasing community participation by 5% by 2006.

Description

This evaluation of the Community Champions Fund:

describes the Fund delivery models including planning, funding, and outreach work;
considers the effectiveness of such approaches;
assesses the characteristics of those taking part in the Fund and the types of projects undertaken, covering elements such as geographical location, ethnic origin, gender, and disability;
evaluates the impact of the Fund on individuals and their communities;
provides an overall assessment of the costs and benefits of the initiative.
briefly reviews the progress of the Pathfinder Young Community Champions Fund.

Approach

Community Champions funding is provided by the DfES and, as such, focuses on the development of key individuals’ skills and learning to make an impact on regeneration in their communities. The fund is worth £3m per year with grants to individuals usually up to £2000 and averaging £1250. Government Offices for the Regions (GOs) manage the fund within their regions. Working with intermediaries, GOs select and support Champions -the individuals who have succeeded in winning a grant.

Results

Results Evaluation data indicates substantial levels of benefit, especially in terms of volunteer involvement and direct benefit for members of the communities served, per pound of public expenditure on the initiative.

Beneficiaries

The Community Champions Fund offers small grants to individuals in England who want to make a difference in their communities.

Resources used

The fund is worth £3m per year and requires the assistance of the Government Offices for the Regions to manage the fund within their regions.

Contact info

Department for Education and Skills
Phone: +44 114 259 4113
community.champions@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

Project start date

16/06/1999

Links

Community Champions programme Department for Education and Skills

Evaluation of the Community's Champion Fund (PDF, Eng, 605KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Capacity building