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Local Sustainability Fund: Final Evaluation

Local Sustainability Fund: Final Evaluation (PDF, 1.7MB)

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Introduction

This report presents the final evaluation of the Local Sustainability Fund (LSF), which supported voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to strengthen their long-term financial health and resilience. It explains how the fund operated, who received funding and what changes were achieved.

The report is for funders, policy teams and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VSCE) organisations.

Findings

The evaluation found that the LSF helped many organisations improve aspects of their sustainability, including:

  • business planning

  • financial management

  • governance

  • income diversification

  • partnership working

Some organisations strengthened their strategic direction and capacity, while others developed new services or improved existing ones. The LSF also led to several new results such as stronger leadership, improved data use and better stakeholder relationships. Progress varied widely, influenced by organisational readiness, the quality of support accessed and external pressures.

Overall, the LSF demonstrated that targeted investment could help organisations become more resilient, though long-term sustainability remains challenging in a difficult funding climate.