By Mayu Rouco-Santos, EDC Project Manager 

We’re excited to mark the first anniversary of the Ethnically Diverse Communities (EDC) Project! Over the past year, our EDC Team – part of the VCS Development Team at CAN – has been working alongside local partners and communities to amplify the voices of ethnically diverse groups and support their growth.

To celebrate this milestone, we’ve published our first Annual Report, created for our funder, the National Lottery Community Fund, and we’re pleased to share key highlights with you.

Project Overview

Launched in April 2024, the EDC Project is a three-year initiative led by Community Action Network (CAN) in partnership with BCP Council, Dorset Community Foundation (DCF), and Dorset Race Equality Council (DREC). The project was built from the ground up in consultation with ethnically diverse communities, ensuring it remains community-led at every step.

The project aims to amplify the voices of ethnically diverse communities and provide tailored support to help groups thrive locally.

Highlights from Year One

🤝 Community-Led Decisions

The Partnership Board, initially formed by the 4 institutional partners, was expanded to include representatives from 6 different EDC groups, who now help guide project strategy and decision-making

💸 Community-Designed Grants

EDC representatives co-designed the DCF Strength and Sustainability Grants and took part in the grant assessment panel to ensure funding reached those who need it most.

• A total of 20 attendees from different EDC groups attended the co-design session
• 13 EDC groups applied for funding from these grants
• 13 EDC groups received funding with almost all groups receiving the full amount they applied for
• Representatives from 4 different EDC groups became panellists to assess the grant applications

📚 Capacity-Building Activities

The EDC Team delivered:

• 5 Customised training sessions in areas of need identified by the groups
• 5 Networking events (in person and online)
• One-to-one support to 28 groups

All designed to empower groups to grow stronger and more sustainable.

Outcomes & Impact

The project has already exceeded Year One targets, thanks to the dedication of our team, partners, and participating communities. The report outlines:

• Key figures and outcomes
• A wide range of deliverables
• Evidence of impact on local groups is presented through case studies of the achievements groups have accomplished
• Stories of change – powerful stories that show how the project has made a difference, from increased confidence to greater access to resources.
• Lessons Learned & Next Steps – The team has taken time to reflect on challenges and successes to improve how we support our communities moving forward. This ongoing reflection ensures our work remains relevant, responsive, and community-led.
• Testimonials reinforcing the positive difference this project is making every day.

One of the community representatives the project supported in Year 1 shared “Thanks to the extensive learnings and resources shared, we have successfully formalised our group and launched our activities. This has empowered us to provide vital support to numerous families with neurodiverse children from various backgrounds. The impact of this support has been profound, creating a strong sense of community and offering much-needed assistance.”

Looking ahead

We’re already building on the successes of Year One and look forward to expanding our work in Year Two. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, we’d love to hear from you. 📩 Contact the EDC Team:

Mayu Rouco Santos – Project Manager
📧 mayu.rouco-santos@can100.org

Catia Leite – Capacity Building Officer
📧 catia.leite@can100.org

Tama Merdaci – Capacity Building Officer
📧 tama.merdaci@can100.org