Impact Awards > Effective Practice

Effective Practice

“ In the course of our application, we got the opportunity to introspect about our own thinking and practice which is in itself a great advantage for strengthening our work.”

2010 applicant

We recognise effective practice through the Impact Awards and also encourage it amongst our applicants, whether they are successful in their application to us or not.

We do this by providing detailed feedback to all applicants so they can reflect and learn from their experience.

We also spread effective practice by undertaking research based on the data and feedback we collect and then sharing this knowledge. To explore the availability, challenges and benefits of unrestricted (untied/no conditions attached) funding, in 2010 we published a report in partnership with New Philanthrophy Capital, ‘Recognising Excellence – the case for giving well-run organisations unrestricted funding.’

In addition STARS explores the issue of aid effectiveness, and the benefits of unrestricted funding for NGOs and the wider development community, through the media and other channels. Related articles include:

Helping The Best Overseas Charities Invest In Their Futures (Trusts and Foundations News, Association of Charitable Foundations, Issue 96, December 2011)

Making the Case for Unrestricted Giving (The Guardian, November 2011)

Plans To End Global Poverty (The Guardian, November 2011)

Dead or Live Aid (World Today, Chatham House, December 2011)

“Funding practices are still not good. The heart of the problem is that funders too often design grants to suit their own needs and processes. The needs of charities are subordinate, and they don’t feel they can turn the tables on their funders. Getting such things right requires thought and effort. It also requires funders to give up a little power and trust charities more. Deserving causes deserve no less. The STARS Foundations is an excellent example of this. STARS’ partnership approach is reflected in the nature of the innovative package they offer to their Impact Award recipients. The package combines US$100,000 of unrestricted funding with tailored consultancy support – offering organisations the flexibility they need to respond to local challenges and plan for the future.” Martin Brookes, Former CEO New Philanthropy Capital

We are working hard to share these findings with other donors and charities in a bid to respond to the needs we are hearing from frontline organisations.