Meet the Minds Behind Funds Online – Ian Pembridge

An inside look at the research behind Funds Online

Did you know that all of the information on Funds Online is carefully sourced, gathered, quality-checked and written by our small team of expert researchers?

In this interview series, DSC’s Researchers share more about their daily work, the challenges and rewards of funding research, and their expert tips to get the most from Funds Online. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and processes that support our subscribers.

In this interview, we speak to Ian Pembridge, Research Coordinator at DSC.

What made you want to work at DSC?

I initially started at DSC as a volunteer and was keen to work here because of the important role DSC plays in helping and strengthening charities across the UK. What also stood out to me was that DSC doesn’t just provide training and resources, it also helps shape thinking across the sector through its research, policy and campaigning. I enjoy contributing to both these areas and value being part of an organisation that is both practical and has a real impact on how the sector works.

What’s your favourite feature of Funds Online, and why? 

For me, saving searches is one of the most useful features in Funds Online, especially when you use it regularly. When you save a search, the funders included in that search are monitored for updates. You will receive an email whenever a funder’s information is updated and when new funders are added that meet the criteria of your search.

Rather than relying on a single saved search, we recommend saving multiple searches that reflect different funding needs or strands of your work. For example, you may save searches for core costs, project funding for a specific project or funders supporting particular beneficiary groups. This approach helps you stay informed without repeating your research.

What future developments in the funding landscape are you keeping an eye on? 

As a member of DSC’s AI Working Group, I try to keep up-to-date with developments in AI and how it is affecting the sector. Over the next few years, I see AI being increasingly used by larger, well-resourced funders. These funders will likely start using it for tasks such as triaging enquiries, summarising and assessing applications, and generating standardised feedback on applications. However, AI may also lead to a significant increase in application volumes, potentially leaving some funders with less, not more capacity.

Charities applying to these funders will be likely to encounter more structured and criteria-focussed application processes which should, fingers crossed, lead to quicker funding decisions. This may improve efficiency and accessibility for some organisations but it could also disadvantage smaller charities or those without the resources to produce polished, data-focussed applications. Ensuring AI doesn’t widen existing gaps in access to funding will be a key challenge for the sector.

What’s a book, podcast, or resource you’d recommend to people working in the charity sector? 

One resource I would recommend is DSC’s Charity Questions Podcast. It answers real questions from people working across the sector and covers everything from fundraising and governance to leadership, innovation and AI. What I particularly like is that it doesn’t just focus on theory, there are loads of practical tips about running and supporting charities.

Where can we find you when you’re not at your desk researching funders?

You’ll usually find me training at my local climbing wall or out bouldering in North Wales or the Peak District. When I’m not clinging to bits of rock by my fingertips, I like to do pub quizzes. I have always enjoyed finding facts and piecing together information which is probably why I ended up becoming a researcher!

To read more articles from DSC’s expert research team and access over 8,000 funders giving over £8 billion in grants, visit Funds Online.