‘Believing in Local Action’, a report commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government, shows through seven case studies what can be achieved through faith organisations and local infrastructure organisations (such as councils for voluntary service) working together. It also gives seven actions to help develop more successful partnership working.
The Capacitybuilders Improving Reach programme focuses on increasing access to high quality third sector support services that are appropriate to the needs of frontline organisations working in and with excluded communities; including BME communities, refugee and migrant communities, faith communities and isolated rural communities.
I would like to pose some questions around Faiths Fora which will help the development and sustainability of Warwick District Faiths Forum which has been in existance for about 18 months.
A) is there any national body which could provide details of other Faiths Fora across the country? eg how many / where/ regional representation / contact details etc.
B) what are their remits ? eg foster local inter faith dialogue,has representation on LSP/LAA,press and public relations role etc. This may well be divided into prime function and a variety of secondary roles.
C)how are they funded ? eg LSP or LAA, Race Equality Council,Grant Aid, Diocesan Office,local council etc.This too may well be a very complex picture which I would like to capture the details if at all possible.
D) what do they spend their money on ? Website,leaflets,display materials,faiths trail,press adverts,other events etc.
It may be that this work has already been covered by one of the faith infrastructure organisations so that a report already exists, if so how could I access?
Warwick District Faiths Forum is in receipt of a small grant from the Community Development Fund which will help with our development plans this year.However, the longer term financial sustainability is unlikely to be met from this and local authority small community development grants.
Kind regards,
Max Down
