Feedback from Round 2

Here are the practical process suggestions and feedback we received from the Round 2 groups. 

People liked: 

• The application form – it lets you say what you wanted to say, rather than forcing a narrative into it; open; straightforward 
• Pace – helping small groups get off the ground 
• Value of feedback – appreciate being asked for more information to support application after first submitted, plus that feedback is given to those who were unsuccessful 
• Getting to meet other groups – there are not many opportunities for this; it would be great if this could continue, and to share some resources 
• Flexibility in eligibility

Things to improve on: 

• Saturday afternoon meeting (difficult in terms of childcare) – is there a way of collaborating about timing the meeting?
• There was a suggestion that we remove names of groups in the shortlisting process to reduce the possibility of a conflict of interest; (current conflict of interest policy asks that people declare any interest and cannot be part of decision on that application) 
• More notice on when a funding round will be. This would also help with scheduling in when to help with the shortlisting process. 

We had loads of amazing suggestions about how to grow Redistro:

• Merchandise such as T-shirts that people are sent when they make a donation. This would have the Redistro name and website on it, further raising the profile of Redistro. 
• Is there scope to gain funding from companies in Bristol (with the caveat that there are ethical issues and the possibility of strings attached)?
• Keep the profile of Redistro going year-round, with a good social media presence. 
• Create networks of trust for people to learn about Redistro; (people said that they heard about Redistro through their own trusted friends and networks, and so knew it was a good grant to apply for). 

And how to support grassroots support better: 

• Regular 'networking' events, especially after the pandemic, to build connection and bring Redistro further into people's awareness. 
• Thinking about not just redistribution of money, but redistribution of other things such as spaces that people can use, skill-sharing, courses, and skills specific to applying for funding such as writing grant applications. 
• A process where groups can say what they need and then Redistro can go about trying to source it (more processes of mutual aid). 
• Support sessions as well as money e.g. shared afternoon to ask an accountant questions – something we cannot afford as individual groups but achievable when pooled. 
• Possible other topics around governance, comms and marketing (maybe Redistro would be interested in this too!) 
• Community (as well as funding) – people described it already feels like there is community, but this is not something that was clear from application information. It’s a good thing, a suggestion to make it clearer.