Independent funding for Academic Coaching (if NRF funding isn't renewed in March 08)

I did something not entirely dissimilar some years ago. The projects I helped to establish are still running, and are funded out of the schools' own budgets, as the heads clearly saw the benefits. Each one had three-year trust funding, then was mainstreamed.

Trying to get an independent funder to pick up something that looks statutory after NRF runs out would seem to be "challenging"!

Cheers

Gerry

[quote]Seriously, there is funding out there. Its just many won't want to pay for something they feel should be paid for by government. [/quote]

True - and not just of us.

Presumably the services supplied improve the schools' places in the league tables? If the schools want your service and value it, then perhaps they could help you find some way to fund it - either via the LEA or PTA.

[quote]There will probably be some charitable trusts that can fund the project (at least in part). Plus possibly some companies, individuals (both wealthy and...er...willing to give a couple of quid a month).
Local authority departments may be able to find funds.

Its worth keeping in touch with commissioning officers in the relevant local authority. We've had offers of money for projects we are planning simply because we kept commissioning officers in the loop about what we are trying.
Offers amounting to £60K of funding in the last year....

Seriously, there is funding out there. Its just many won't want to pay for something they feel should be paid for by government.

Martin[/quote]

Thank you Martin, good info.

There will probably be some charitable trusts that can fund the project (at least in part). Plus possibly some companies, individuals (both wealthy and...er...willing to give a couple of quid a month).
Local authority departments may be able to find funds.

Its worth keeping in touch with commissioning officers in the relevant local authority. We've had offers of money for projects we are planning simply because we kept commissioning officers in the loop about what we are trying.
Offers amounting to £60K of funding in the last year....

Seriously, there is funding out there. Its just many won't want to pay for something they feel should be paid for by government.

Martin

[quote]
I am presuming that you focus your project on school age children?

If this the case I think it is unlikely that you will have many funding option to choose from outside specialist schools funding. Obviously extra funding will be available in the near future to increase 1-2-1 tuition within schools - which probably be allocated to the LEA rather than schools directly?

I would personnally invest most of my time and effort to make sure that you receive continuation money via NRF rather than investing your time in looking around for other funding streams. [/quote]

Thanks for the advice Martyn.

I am presuming that you focus your project on school age children?

If this the case I think it is unlikely that you will have many funding option to choose from outside specialist schools funding. Obviously extra funding will be available in the near future to increase 1-2-1 tuition within schools - which probably be allocated to the LEA rather than schools directly?

I would personnally invest most of my time and effort to make sure that you receive continuation money via NRF rather than investing your time in looking around for other funding streams.