The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting the development and sustainability of charities, voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations. Registered as a charity under number 1114403, IVAR operates primarily through research, education, and training to strengthen communities across the United Kingdom.

Mission and Activities

IVAR's mission centers on strengthening communities by enabling voluntary organisations to flourish. The organisation achieves this by conducting action research that is grounded in real-world challenges faced by the sector, making the findings accessible and practical for immediate application. IVAR works collaboratively with charities, foundations, and public agencies to foster learning and improvement within the voluntary sector.

The organisation embraces a set of core values in its approach:

• Curiosity: Listening and learning with openness to diverse perspectives.
• Groundedness: Ensuring that work is relevant and directly applicable to everyday problems.
• Humanity: Providing support with empathy, encouragement, and honesty about challenges.
• Hopefulness: Creating safe spaces for difficult conversations and advocating for change through dialogue and networks.

These principles guide IVAR's work in research projects, educational programs, and training courses aimed at enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of voluntary action in the UK.

Structure and Governance

IVAR employs a team of 12 staff members and is overseen by a board of 9 trustees. Among the employees, there are senior roles with salaries ranging above £60,000, indicative of the organisation's scale and professional expertise in the sector.

Impact and Community Engagement

Through its evidence-based and participatory approach, IVAR contributes to stronger, more resilient voluntary organisations, ultimately reinforcing community wellbeing and social cohesion. Its partnerships with various stakeholders enable it to influence practice and policy in the voluntary sector.

The Institute for Voluntary Action Research remains a vital resource for charities and nonprofit organisations seeking to navigate challenges and enhance their impact in communities throughout the UK.

[1] https://www.ivar.org.uk [2] https://www.ivar.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1114403&subid=0 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4021514/contact-information [5] https://givingisgreat.org.uk/database/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1114403