Seed Funding Catch Up

Seed Funding 2008 Projects - An Update

The Seed Funding programme for 2008 is nearing its end, with all funds needing to have been spent, and the projects evaluated by 31 March. With this in mind, I thought it best to provide you with an update as to where the 11 projects are at.

The following projects are finished and evaluated - Darlington, Consett, and Bridgwater.

• Bellshill & Mossend - started late and currently discussing HIV/AIDS at local level. Created and sent them an information pack on YMCA work in India but no feedback. Scheduled to finish on time with evaluation to follow.
• Newport - Youth worker has quit. Some preparatory work done. Chief executive has taken over and has contacted Indian partner. Awaiting response this week - I will contact Mangalore directly if nothing heard by Newport. Unlikely to be finished or evaluated within timeframe.
• Perth - Young people involved have moved on but project still going ahead. Contact details for Lebanon passed on. Potential for scaling this project up, if the Seed Funding Project is succesful. Some work will be evaluated in timeframe.
• Richmond - Another late starter. 3 out of 11 sessions currently done. Need to see evidence of use of video camera other creative things budgeted for. Will be involved in Youth Justice, perhaps in Darlington.
• Bantry, Cork and Cobh - Not sure of the status of this project, will discuss with Michele on 9 March.
  
• Gatehouse of Fleet - progressing nicely and is on target for evaluation. Need to think about sustainability.
• Woking - Not sure - attempted contact by email and phone but no response despite messages.
• City of Dublin has been postponed to take place in 2009-10.

One thing I have noticed is that a lot of the budgets for the Seed Funding included staff time. Perhaps I am being naive but surely a supportive YMCA should be able to pay for the staff time involved in putting together, delivering and evaluating a project of this size?

Hope you find this update useful.

Mike