We’re deep into our six-week sprint at Thirty Percy, designing a new fund ‘The Honouring Fund’ and getting the first cohort up and running. It's our second time working this way, and we've picked up some key lessons along the way.

The funding and philanthropic world is at a crossroads, and it’s time to rethink the old ways. Our sprint team took some time to reflect on what we’re learning, so I thought we’d share some of the big themes with you.

Impact of the Co-Design Process

We kicked things off with a week of co-design, time dedicated to hearing directly from some of the elders we work with, challenging our assumptions and finding out what they need, and beginning to shape the new fund in collaboration with them.

This co-design process has been eye-opening. It’s helped us get a clearer understanding of their needs and how to shape our offerings. We're now incorporating flexible support packages, tailored to individual needs, as well as direct monetary payments. Thanks to feedback from the co-design sessions, we’ve introduced a sliding scale model, letting people choose between direct payments and support services. This way, they can adapt as their needs change.

Another big takeaway was the importance of rest and self-care. We’ve made sure to provide time and space for these activities so that people can rejuvenate and focus on long-term goals like archiving and succession planning. Involving stakeholders in the design process has been invaluable, leading to more effective and responsive solutions.

Supporting Elders: Addressing Needs and Enhancing Care

During the co-design process, we also uncovered some challenges. Elders often prioritise others over themselves, neglecting their own self-care. This is a crucial area where we can make a difference. Providing resources for self-care—whether financial support or access to safe spaces and supportive networks—is essential.

Many of these people have devoted their lives to causes bigger than themselves, often at significant financial cost. While “income” wasn’t directly mentioned, concerns about pensions, mortgages, healthcare, and caring for family members came up a lot. Addressing these needs requires substantial financial support. Elders also need help with succession planning and documenting their work, along with access to listeners outside their immediate communities for broader support. There were reoccurring themes about not feeling deserving, which we’ve directly addressed as part of the fund.

Opportunities and Challenges of Collaborative Work

Working collaboratively through a sprint offers unique opportunities and challenges. On the plus side, it fosters extensive learning and builds trust among team members, leading to richer outputs and better outcomes. The diversity of perspectives enhances the quality of the work.

However, it’s not without its challenges. Finding the right mix of people who work well together is crucial, and capturing all the information generated during the process can be tough. Transitioning from the sprint phase to implementation requires meticulous documentation and planning to keep the momentum going. Honestly, we’re already feeling a bit sad about the sprint coming to an end!

Advice for Effective Financial Distribution

For those considering a similar approach, clarity and planning are crucial. Set clear guidelines for total amounts to be distributed, per changemaker, and the timeline for these distributions. Implement a robust verification process for financial details to avoid discrepancies and ensure accuracy.

Using systems like Salesforce for tracking and approving payments can streamline the process from approval to disbursement. Capacity planning is essential, especially when managing multiple payments simultaneously. Clear documentation of processes helps maintain consistency and efficiency, avoiding piecemeal approaches that can lead to confusion.

Learning to Disrupt: Transforming Philanthropy

There’s a huge opportunity in philanthropy to shake things up. The sector often clings to traditional methods, which can stifle innovation and slow progress. Embracing disruption means being open to new ways of working and being ready for surprising outcomes. We’re pushing ourselves by doing this fast, and while it’s not always easy, it’s surprisingly energising too.

By trying new approaches, philanthropy can become a catalyst for change, making funding processes more dynamic and engaging. Putting the "fun" back into funding can revitalise efforts and energise teams, creating an environment where new ideas thrive. A key factor is effective facilitation (stay tuned for a whole blog on this soon).