Building Connections Fund: Evaluation and Learning

We worked with New Philanthropy Capital, Centre for Youth Impact, Brunel University London, Bryson Purdon Social Research, and expert David Pritchard to evaluate and share learning from the Building Connections Fund.

Launched in December 2018, the Building Connections Fund was the first ever cross government fund dedicated to reducing loneliness in England.

In partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund and the Co-op Foundation, £11.5m was awarded to 126 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations working with different groups across England. NPC was commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as the evaluation and learning partner.

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the original Fund evaluation, so from April 2020 a developmental evaluation approach was adopted to capture and share learning.

Using the insights

Findings from the project can be used to improve the evidence base on loneliness and inform longer-term policy and funding decisions.

They can also support projects tackling loneliness to evaluate their impact.

Explore the resources and insights below.