Funder drop-in: Using data to fund complex systems

About this event

Funders are increasingly being asked to respond to complex social issues. However, the organisations and activities that matter most are not always the easiest to see.

Traditional ways of understanding a field often surface the organisations already known to funders: those that use familiar language, appear in the right datasets, or have the capacity to apply for funding. But in complex systems, important work often sits across categories, outside established networks, or below the radar of standard funding frameworks.

Drawing on NPC’s recent work on social cohesion, this session explores how funders can build a fuller picture of the systems they are trying to influence. We will look at how public data, practical taxonomies and language analysis can help map organisations, funding flows, gaps and overlaps – while also recognising the limits of data and the need for interpretation, lived experience and shared sense-making.

The session will ask:

• How do you define a field when the boundaries are unclear?
• How do you build shared language for the system you are trying to influence?
• How can better field intelligence support more coordinated and strategic funding?
• How can funders make proactive funding more targeted and efficient, while avoiding the risk of missing important parts of the system?
• How can funders map complementary portfolios to identify where others are already active, where collaboration is possible, and which stakeholders they should engage?

This session is for funders who want to move beyond the usual suspects, understand complex fields more clearly, and make more informed decisions about where their funding can add most value.

Join us to gain actionable insights and connect with peers committed to building stronger, more sustainable organisations through strategic grantmaking!

Please note that this event is designed for funders and philanthropists. We may contact attendees ahead of the event to ensure it is the most suitable session for you.

Chatham House rule applies during this event. 

How we can help

Whether you’re a business, charity, funder or social enterprise, we can offer you tailored support. Find out more about how we can help you.