Evidence submitted from Farm Crisis Network

Farm Crisis Network, a registered national charity (No: 1095919) with three existing groups in Wales, would like to offer a very brief observation on the funding of organisations like our own.

There would appear to still be an obsession with new and project work, which means that it is impossible to find funding to support the ongoing and core work of existing organisations even though our work has a proven track record and gets results. For example, recent funding offered through WCVA (we could not remember the title) appeared at first to be a good fit for FCN. However, we ended up not applying because any grant was to be spent on new work, and therefore could only be used, e.g. for training of newly recruited volunteers, not those already in place. As we had a new group established in North Wales it would otherwise have been very helpful.

For work which involves face-to-face regular contact with people in vulnerable situations, access to regular and stable financial support for core activities is crucial, without having to constantly develop new projects requiring diversification. If there is any will to find a way of doing this, it would ensure the sustainability of many voluntary organisations.

Jill Gibson
FCN Regional Coordinator
Winds Whistle
The Beacon
Rosemarket
Milford Haven
SA73 1JX