Foundation Practice Rating: Year Three Consultation Findings and Recommendations
Introduction
As the Foundation Practice Rating (FPR) enters its third year, it’s time to reflect on the feedback received during the consultation period and present the resulting recommendations. The consultation aimed to gather input from the sector regarding the FPR process, criteria, and other relevant aspects. This blog post will provide an overview of the findings and outline the recommendations for Year Three and beyond.
Consultation Overview
The Year Three consultation took place between April 3 and May 31, 2023, and received responses from ten individuals. Notably, the number of participants has declined compared to previous years. While the reasons for this decline remain unclear, it suggests that fewer individuals feel the need to provide feedback on the current state of the FPR.
Findings and Themes
The feedback received during the consultation varied widely, ranging from positive remarks on the FPR’s methodology and worthwhileness to critical perspectives questioning its focus and impact. Several themes emerged from the responses, offering valuable insights for consideration.
- Additional Issues to Consider: Participants suggested expanding the FPR’s scope to include issues such as collecting and analysing DEI data on grantees, aligning with industry best practices, considering the recency of published data, and exploring the issue of funding decision-makers and processes.
- Changes to the Current Process: Feedback highlighted the need for a more supportive and positive tone in the initiative, clearer communication on year-to-year comparisons, improvements in communication strategies, and addressing concerns about perceived flaws in the FPR, such as biases in selection and transparency criteria.
- Other Aspects of the FPR: Comments on the selection of foundations, criteria and methodology used for assessment, and the overall process emphasised the importance of practical information and examples, addressing challenges for organisations without open application processes, and clarifying transparency criteria.
Overall Recommendations
Based on a thorough analysis of the responses, the project team developed recommendations divided into two subsets: possible changes for Year Three and broader changes for Year Four and beyond. These recommendations aim to enhance the FPR’s effectiveness and address the feedback received from the sector.
Recommendations for Year Three:
- Evaluate the inclusivity of foundations by analysing disclosed information, with a focus on transparency and openness rather than making judgments on adequacy. Collect diversity data without imposing specific criteria, while considering alignment with the DEI Data Standard and Racial Justice Audit definitions.
- Enhancing communications: Proactively communicate important policy decisions regarding the FPR, dispel misconceptions and myths, assess the effectiveness of campaigns, provide concrete examples of successful practices, and offer guidance to foundations on achieving high scores. Clarify the utilisation of the ACF Giving Trends report and establish a cut-off date to determine the relevance of material included.
Considerations for Year Four and beyond
Based on learnings from Year Three, we will decide whether to add criteria related to the diversity of charitable foundations and what they fund. We shall explore the development and sharing of self-assessment tools for foundations to improve practice and consider existing projects like ACF’s Stronger Foundations.
Conclusion
The Year Three consultation provided valuable feedback and insights into the Foundation Practice Rating process. While the number of participants decreased, the feedback received helped shape the recommendations to enhance the FPR’s effectiveness. The project team aims to address concerns, improve communication strategies, and promote proactive steps and best practices. By considering these recommendations, the FPR can continue its mission of enhancing scrutiny and accountability within the foundation sector.