Community Fund delays merger move

The Community Fund has deferred its decision on whether to merge
with the New Opportunities Fund, following concerns voiced by
voluntary sector organisations.

At a meeting last week, the fund’s 15 board members agreed that a
decision could not be made on the proposal until the government
offered guarantees that any new funding stream would be free from
government interference.

Charities fear that the Community Fund, which provides grants for
the voluntary sector, could lose its freedom to support projects
unrelated to government initiatives.

The fund is calling for an assurance that any new distributor would
be as accessible to the sector, and for decision-making to be
transparent.

Chairperson Diana Brittan said that those working at the fund were
“anxious there should be full consultation with the sector about
the principle of a merger before any decision was taken”.