NEARLY 200 people from across the Diocese attended the two very successful ‘Meet the Funders’ events held respectively in Redruth and Pensilva on 21 & 22 February.

The format on each day consisted of presentations from different fund providers in the morning followed by a ‘market-place in the afternoon, with a ‘networking lunch’ sandwiched in between.

Contributing funders included the Big Lottery, All Churches Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, Church Urban Fund, Parish Buying, Cornwall Community Covenant and the Co-operative Foundation.

Delegates particularly liked the diversity of the talks and being able to speak directly with representatives of the different organisations over lunch and in the market-place. Many also appreciated the tips on making grant applications and the overview of the breadth of available providers.

Commenting after the event, Transformation Cornwall’s Debbie Croucher said: “Following the success of this initiative, we are arranging ‘Funding Surgeries’ beginning at the end of April. These will consist of workshops, based on people’s ‘real’ ideas, and designed to build up their individual practical skills so that they are better able to apply for funding themselves.”