Funder drop-in: Moving to unrestricted funding

About this event

In partnership with IVAR and The James Tudor Foundation

As charitable organisations navigate increasing uncertainty, rising demand, and growing competition for funding, unrestricted funding is becoming an increasingly important tool for supporting resilient, adaptive organisations. Yet many funders continue to grapple with questions around accountability, risk, and how best to balance flexibility with assurance.

Drawing on practical experience from funders who have made the shift, this session will explore why unrestricted funding matters, what it takes to implement it well, and how funders can build trusting relationships that strengthen both organisations and outcomes.

Together, we’ll examine how unrestricted funding can help charities invest in the people, systems, learning, and infrastructure that underpin long-term impact, rather than simply funding programmes in isolation.

Speakers include: Laura Serratrice from The James Tudor Foundation, and Ben Cairns from IVAR. 

Discussion Questions

• What role does unrestricted funding play in building organisational capacity and enabling charities to respond to emerging needs and opportunities?
• What evidence do we have about the impact of unrestricted funding on organisational resilience, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability?
• How can funders balance accountability while providing greater flexibility to grantees?
• What practical challenges arise when transitioning from project-based funding to unrestricted funding, and how have funders addressed them?

What You’ll Gain

• Insights from funders who have successfully introduced unrestricted funding.
• Evidence on how unrestricted funding contributes to stronger, more resilient organisations.
• Practical considerations for designing and implementing unrestricted funding approaches.
• Ideas for building trust-based relationships while maintaining effective stewardship of resources.

Join us to explore how unrestricted funding can help create stronger organisations, more effective partnerships, and ultimately greater social impact.

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.