About Us

The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) was formally constituted as a charity and registered company in December 2003. However, VAF is not a new organisation having formed as a development of the Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund (UVAF). UVAF was an unincorporated charity whose mission and objectives required to be updated to reflect new areas of work evolving within its portfolio. VAF is furthering the legacy of grass roots grant making and robust practice aimed at promoting the inclusion of those most excluded within their communities.

The mission statement for VAF encapsulates the underlying ethos within the organisation and all of our programmes of work:

The Voluntary Action Fund believes in the capacity of all people to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. Through the effective investment of grants we will support voluntary organisations to promote equality by tackling barriers to participation and unlocking the energies and talents in Scotland's communities.

Values

In taking forward our mission statement we adhere by the following values in all areas of our work:

  • We believe in the capacity of voluntary activity in taking forward change
  • We believe that barriers to participation and involvement can and should be tackled and this under pins all of our work
  • We are proud of our commitment to transparency, fairness, rigour and equality across all of our practices
  • We believe in learning through action and will support the promotion of enquiry and learning across all areas of our work
  • We believe that strength can lie in partnership and collaboration and shall continue to develop new ways of working with key partners

Approach

Our approach is one of

  • working alongside organisations to achieve high standards
  • providing tailored training and direct support
  • identifying and supporting new ways of working
  • being alert to activities of wider significance and sharing information
  • encouraging organisations to develop networks to share their knowledge and learn from each other
  • ensuring the impact and effectiveness of our funded programmes through systematic monitoring and evaluation

As an organisation we strive to add to our effectiveness by

  • investing in our own learning and development as Investors in People
  • contributing to local and national networks and forums to influence and shape policy
  • proactively building relationships with other funders.