Deep Funding Town Halls have become an essential platform for engaging community members, disseminating information, and fostering collaboration. Over time, these sessions have revealed valuable insights into what works well and areas where enhancements can create more impactful experiences. We combined observations with real-time feedback through a survey. Below are the key takeaways from past events.

Building a Sense of Community

One of the most notable strengths of the Town Halls is their ability to cultivate a strong sense of belonging. Feedback from participants highlights that the interactive nature of the meetings encourages meaningful discussions. Respondents frequently noted that these sessions provided opportunities to connect with others, enhancing their sense of inclusion within the Deep Funding ecosystem.

Delivering Valuable Content

The town halls consistently received positive feedback on the relevance of the information shared. Updates on awarded projects and organisational progress were well-received, with participants emphasising that these insights help them remain informed and engaged. The ability of these sessions to balance organisational updates with broader community-focused discussions was frequently acknowledged as a key strength.

Communication Tools

Effective communication channels are vital for ensuring participant engagement, and the use of tools such as Mattermost, Google Calendar, and email reminders has proven to be a strategic asset. These channels were frequently cited as reliable mechanisms for keeping the community informed and ensuring attendance at Town Halls.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the success of past Townhalls, feedback also points to areas where the TownHalls can be further enhanced.

One recurring observation concerns the duration of the presentations. Participants noted that lengthy sessions—particularly those exceeding 45 minutes—can become overwhelming. Many suggested shorter, more focused presentations or the provision of pre-recorded materials to maintain engagement levels.

Another area requiring attention is onboarding. While participants generally rated the onboarding process as adequate, feedback indicates a need for more structured mechanisms to integrate new members effectively. This could include dedicated introductory sessions or the creation of concise resource guides.

Engagement levels were another focal point for improvement. Suggestions included encouraging participants to appear on video during sessions and implementing strategies to increase the inflow of new members. Such measures could enhance the vibrancy and inclusivity of the meetings.

Finally, there is a growing demand for statistical transparency. Participants expressed interest in dashboards or other tools that provide real-time updates on progress, enabling them to track developments more effectively.

Moving Forward

The lessons from past Deep Funding Town Halls underscore the importance of evolving to meet participant expectations while preserving the elements that make these sessions valuable. Prioritising concise presentations, enhancing onboarding processes, and adopting innovative engagement strategies can help create even more meaningful experiences.

As the Deep Funding community grows, integrating participant feedback will remain crucial. By addressing identified gaps and building on existing strengths, future Town Halls can further reinforce their role as a cornerstone of community engagement and organizational transparency.