Voluntary Sector Network Meeting – 11th September 2024

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Sandie welcomed everyone and then shared the Action Log.

All actions are complete but the opportunity to hold a ReSpect workshop for those who are interested is still available from Sharon– please could you let Debbie or Sharon Allen know if you would be interested.

EDI Workshops

Danny Karystinos shared a presentation with the group around EDI and recruitment and talked about the changes that can be made to really be inclusive and not just a “Tick Box”. Danny said that the Voluntary Sector could come along to sessions arranged BUT was happy to put one on specifically for the VSN. These would need to be in October as Danny’s post is ending in November.

ACTION – to share slides post meeting (Debbie)

ACTION – to arrange with Danny some workshop dates (Debbie)

Healthier Futures Fund Feedback- Andrea

Andrea shared slides with the group outlining the information from the Healthier Futures Fund and the Feedback from the survey.

There had been a lot of interest from the Voluntary Sector and 21 projects being funded. This was 3 years of funding of between £50- £300k.

They received 29 responses to the survey which aimed to find out people’s experience of applying and barrier to application. Andrea thanked the sector for their patience in the constantly evolving process and said that the ICB had learnt lessons from this.

A couple of the things highlighted were the difficulty in smaller organisations applying (ie the grant value was not a good fit for small groups and they don’t have capacity to complete the application process)

The Real Living Wage and the need for accreditation has been discussed at the VSN Steering group. For small organisations this could have been a barrier event

though the sector aspires to paying well. The use of accredited contractors felt restrictive too.

Andrea will be taking the survey feedback to the Aligning Support Steering Group on the 23rd so would like any other feedback before then.

ACTION to share slides post meeting and for any other feedback to Andrea before 23rd.

Workforce Pro Bono- Andrea

Previously we have discussed at the VSN with Laura Porro the possibility of ICB staff doing a day of volunteering at a voluntary sector organisation. It was felt that this may be difficult and actually cause more work. Many of the staff at ICB have skills that could be used pro bono such as coaches, comms, finance, legal etc and it would be good to have a guide to what was on offer and match with organisations needing the support.

Andrea is awaiting sign off from the committee to proceed as this does have a cost implication to ICB .

Workforce mentoring- Andrea/ Sharon

The aim is to bring systems closer together and ICB are setting up a pilot mentoring scheme where the Voluntary Sector can be mentors for ICB staff.

Andrea shared some slides showing what the process would be and what the expectations are.

Andrea asked for any suggestions to add to the reading list/resources that would give the mentees a greater understanding of the VCSE sector and working with communities.

Sandie has she will compile a pack and a suggestion to include the Vital Signs report: https://www.cambscf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Vital-Signs-2024.pdf

The scheme is now open for expressions of interest with a view to starting some of the relationship matching from October. The link to the expression of interest form is here: https://forms.office.com/e/ZaBZkDCgpa

ACTION To compile a pack of supporting information-Sandie

ACTION To share slides post meeting- Debbie

Director Update- Sandie

All the details for the Strategy Review are now live on Support Cambs Website. Members are asked to look at the supporting documents and then respond to the survey. Anyone in your organisation can fill this in.

VSN strategy review survey

This review will be being shared with the ICB members too and any other partners. Andrea will share through the internal newsletter too.

Two listening events have been set up. The first is for the voluntary sector 24th September and the second is 9th Oct and open to all.

ACTION to send the VSN an email with all the strategy details included- Debbie

Learning Disability Partnership- the steering group have discussed the disbanding of this and have asked if there has been an impact assessment done.

Although the service offer in theory will be offered the separation of the service could have an impact on the service user or carers.

It was agreed that a letter will be written to the ICB and CCC expressing concern.

ACTION– Sandie to draft a letter for approval and then to send to appropriate people.

Assura Grants- round 2 of this is happening but as yet we do not have specific dates. We have 20K left over from the first round and we are looking at ways to top this up. The next round will be focussing on Integrated Neighbourhoods who did not receive in the first round- not all IN will be able to be covered.

Reps feedback

Sharon talked about the Just R recruitment portal (previous details shared with group) so far ARHC are the only voluntary sector organisation signed up to this. There are no costs to this and the ICB are looking to see how then can increase the looks to non NHS posts.

Contact Sharon or Mel Payne at ICB for more details

ACTION Sandie will add to the next newsletter.

Sharon mentioned the Culture and Leadership Compact and the Leadership programme.

Some of the VSN attended the Above Difference training and there are now plans to set up a leadership alumni.

Sharon also asked if organisations did staff surveys were they willing to share the questions they asked and outcomes for some ongoing work that is happening.

AOB

Robert Colbert alerted the group to a reduction in funding for Alzheimer’s Peterborough which has meant a reduction in days the resource centre can be open and the loss of Ade Gardeners post- Robert will be feeding back VSN info to Peterborough.

Many different offers of training are coming through from ICB- if you or team members attends any it would be great if they could give us feedback and let us know what they have signed up to (if it wasn’t organised through Debbie).

The Next Health and Wellbeing Network meeting has invited the Community Pharmacist and the NHS BA to talked about what’s happening in their areas.

Debbie is in the process of organising the next showcase event – this is going to be 20th November- if you are interested in being a showcasing organisation please let Debbie know – attendance at these is big and covers all areas including ICB, CCC and district council staff.

A reminder that there will be a second session on the New Models of care is happening on 17th September at 3pm online.

Just to be aware NAVCA along with Sandie and Andrea have been doing a piece of work. They are looking for images and may approach VSN members so this is a genuine request.

Thank you

As many of you are aware PCVS have a new CEO Kirsteen McVeigh. The Voluntary Sector Network would like to thank Gill Benedkiz for her amazing input and engagement with this group whilst they have been awaiting Kirsteen’s arrival.

Neighbourhood Planning Grant / Locality/ Deadline tbc

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The Neighbourhood Planning Support Programme

MHCLG have extended the support for a seventh year (2024/2025). The Neighbourhood Planning Support Programme will continue to offer grants and Technical Support packages.

What is available?

The programme provides grant and Technical Support to eligible groups.

Grant support

All groups undertaking a neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development order (NDO) are eligible to apply for up to £10,000 in Basic Grant. Grants can be used for a range of activities to support the plan or order-making process.

Additional Grant
If your group is facing more complex issues, you may be eligible for an Additional Grant of £8,000 (in addition to the £10,000 Basic Grant). This Additional Grant is available to
groups if any one of the following is met:

• Allocating sites for housing in your neighbourhood plan
• Proposing to include design codes in your neighbourhood plan
• All groups writing a business led neighbourhood plan
• All groups preparing a plan for a cluster of three or more parish councils
• Neighbourhood plans for areas which have a population of over 25,000 people
• Designated neighbourhood forums
• Groups based in areas which have a high level of deprivation (where 30% or
more of the neighbourhood area or population is in the 20% most deprived areas
in England according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation).

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you can apply for this additional £8,000, giving a total amount that can be applied for of £18,000.

 

Technical Support

Groups facing more complex issues may be eligible for packages of Technical Support.

Technical Support is awarded as a technical work package and is in addition and separate to the grant. It has no relation to how much grant you are eligible for and can be awarded to you at the same time. It is delivered free of charge to groups who qualify by meeting the eligibility criteria listed below.

Technical Support is available to groups in any of the following circumstances:

• Allocating sites for housing in your neighbourhood plan
• Proposing to include design codes in your neighbourhood plan
• Preparing a neighbourhood development order
• An undesignated forum needing help to get designated (this unlocks the ‘Setting up a Neighbourhood Planning Group (in unparished areas)’ package of support only. To be eligible for the other packages of support your forum will need to be designated).
• Designated neighbourhood forums Groups based in areas which have a high level of deprivation (where 30% or more of the neighbourhood area or population is in the 20% most deprived areas in England according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation).
• The programme also offers ‘Forum Development’ support specifically for groups who are setting up a neighbourhood planning group in an unparished area.

How to apply

To find out more and apply please visit: Home – Locality Neighbourhood Planning

New on -Demand Training – Introduction to engaging with business

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Get Synergised, one of Support Cambridgeshire’s collaborators has developed a new free training course that anyone can access. This course aims to refresh knowledge and allow you to feel confident in the subject area.

Introduction to engaging with businesses

WHO THIS TRAINING FOR?

Those looking to engage with businesses to develop connections

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Five insights that you probably wish you knew about cultivating partnerships with businesses to help diversify income and resources for greater sustainability.

HOW LONG IS THE TRAINING VIDEO?

11.39 mins

 

The Support Cambridgeshire On-Demand Training portal updates your knowledge base around charity and community sector know-how. It is free to access whenever every you want. Fill in the form, press send, and you be sent the link to browse at your leisure, don’t forget to save the link so you can return it as many times as you want!

Interested to learn? This click HERE

How charities and CIO’s can engage with Duke of Edinburgh

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Back in June 2024, we held a Youth Volunteering event, which looked at giving the voluntary and community groups out there more information about how to engage with younger people. We had speakers from projects and organisations which supported younger people come and speak about how VCS could engage with younger people – these talks can be viewed by clicking here 

Sadly, due to staff changes, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was unable to attend the session. With the staff in place now, Alexa has created the presentation below on how charities and CIOs can engage with the DofE and look to set up a project that would allow students to engage with their organisation on an on going process.

While recording the session, it was asked where liability lay, as this was a question that came up in the original event; Alexa confirmed that the VCSE group would need to make sure they had the right insurance in place; however, as this is an issue that does crop up time and time again. Support Cambridgeshire is going to continue to discuss with DofE to establish what other organisations have in place and how they can negate those challenges.

If you are a charity or CIO interested in setting up a DofE program, then do speak to Alexa, who is always looking to work with more organisations.

 

Presentation and Slides 

To view the slides click HERE

 

About Alexa – Alexa.Bowden@DofE.org

Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: Five Things I Wish I Knew

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Get synergised, have created this basic introduction to working with business on behalf of Support Cambridgeshire. We regularly collaborate with Get Synergised to support groups looking to make connections with businesses. This particular training is aimed at small charities and voluntary groups, whether you are at the beginning of your journey in engaging with businesses or seeking a refresher. 

 

Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew

Hello and welcome to this Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew, a recording for Support Cambridgeshire delivered by Get Synergised in partnership with Cambridge CVS and Hunts Forum.

This is one of several recordings developed to support small charities and voluntary groups in engaging with businesses. This recording includes some tips for success and is supported by a transcript and links that will take you to additional resources and information on the Get Synergised website.

Title Page

Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew

If you are beginning your journey in engaging with businesses or seeking a refresher, this on-demand training video presents five insights that you probably wish you knew.

By avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well-prepared to cultivate partnerships with businesses eager to support you and your mission to help diversify income and resources for greater sustainability.

Slide 1

Firstly – Why Does Partnering with Businesses Benefit Your Organisation?

  • Expanded Resources: Businesses can provide financial support, in-kind donations, and access to expertise, enhancing your organisation’s capabilities and impact.
  • Enhanced Visibility and Credibility: Partnering with reputable businesses can elevate your organisation’s profile and credibility within the community and among stakeholders.
  • Innovative Solutions: Collaboration with businesses can spark innovation and creativity, leading to new ideas and approaches for tackling social challenges.
  • Sustainable Relationships: Establishing partnerships with businesses fosters long-term relationships built on shared values, which can lead to ongoing support and collaboration.

Now we know that, let’s delve into the 5 Things I Wish I Knew.

Slide 2

Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew

  1. Think About What You Might Need from a Business
  2. Take Time to Build Relationships
  3. Align Goals and Values
  4. Confidently Make That Initial Ask and Contact
  5. Always Follow Up, Celebrate Success, and Give Thanks

Slide 3

Think About What You Might Need from a Business

When engaging with businesses, it’s crucial to consider and request support beyond just financial contributions – although monetary support is indeed significant. Businesses are busy, so a well-defined request helps them understand exactly how they can contribute and what is needed. Here are some points on how to prepare to maximise your chances of success:

  • Time:
    • Volunteer Opportunities: Clearly outline how much time you need from business volunteers and what specific activities they will be involved in. For example, you might need volunteers for pro bono expertise or a fundraising event.
    • Flexible Options: Offer flexible volunteering opportunities that can fit into busy schedules on both sides, such as virtual volunteering or short-term projects.
  • Skills:
    • Skill-Based Volunteering: Identify specific skills that would benefit your nonprofit and seek volunteers who can provide those skills. For example, you might need help with marketing, graphic design, legal advice, or IT support.
    • Professional Development: Highlight how volunteering can also benefit their employees by providing professional development opportunities and enhancing their skills.
  • Expertise:
    • Advisory Roles: Invite business leaders to join advisory boards, trustee boards, or committees where their expertise can guide your non-profit’s strategy and operations.
    • Workshops and Training: Request experts to conduct workshops or training sessions for your staff or beneficiaries. For instance, financial experts could offer financial literacy workshops.
  • Resources:
    • In-Kind Donations: Specify what physical resources or equipment you need. This could range from office supplies, technology, or transportation.
    • Rooms and Space: Request meeting rooms or event spaces that the business can provide.
  • Finance:
    • Monetary Donations: Clearly outline the financial support you need, specifying amounts and how the funds will be used.
    • Sponsorship Opportunities: Offer sponsorship packages for events or programmes, detailing the benefits the business will receive in return, such as branding opportunities, meeting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, recognition, and networking.

Slide 4

Take Time to Build Relationships

  • Personal Connections: Develop personal relationships with key individuals in the business, rather than just seeking money and going in with a hard ask. Take the time to understand their motivations, interests, and values. Personal connections and warm introductions can strengthen the partnership and facilitate smoother collaboration.
  • Understand the Business: Research the company if you can. Understand their mission, values, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and any past involvement with non-profits. This helps tailor your approach and shows that you’ve done your homework.
  • Identify the Right Person: Find out who the decision-makers are through a bit of research or asking others if you can. This might be someone in the CSR department, marketing, HR, or even the CEO, depending on the size and structure of the business.

Slide 5

Align Goals and Values

  • Good Fit: When looking for businesses to meet your asks, think about which businesses would be a good fit, might share your values, where they might be located, and what industries might be able to help you with what you need.
  • Know Your Own Mission, Vision, and Values: Be clear about your own non-profit’s mission, vision, and values to find the best alignment with potential business partners.

 

Slide 6

Confidently Make That Initial Ask and Contact

  • Personalise Your Approach: Tailor your message/email to the specific business and individual. Mention any common ground and keep your message brief and to the point, including a clear call to action that encourages a response.
  • Highlight What’s in It for Them: Shift the focus to their interests – why should they care? Clearly explain how your non-profit’s mission aligns with their goals and values.
  • Utilise Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative that introduces your non-profit, what you do, the impact you make, and how it relates to the business. Explain the reason for reaching out and the potential synergy between your missions.
  • Utilise Existing Networks: If possible, leverage mutual connections to facilitate an introduction. A warm introduction significantly enhances the likelihood of a positive response.
  • Attend Networking Events: Engage in events where business leaders are present. These venues offer opportunities for face-to-face interactions and deeper engagement.
  • Phone Calls: Direct calls can sometimes be more effective. Be prepared with a concise pitch and ready to address any inquiries.
  • Utilise Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn are effective for connecting with business professionals. Craft a concise and polite message outlining your purpose or share your organisation’s needs on the platform.
  • Propose a Meeting: Request a brief meeting to explore potential collaboration. Offer flexible scheduling options and suggest a few dates and times that work for them.
  • Articulate What You Can Offer: Describe the mutual benefits of collaboration, emphasising how their involvement will create a positive impact and meet their CSR goals, among other business benefits. Use stories, data, and examples to illustrate the value and potential returns on their investment.

Slide 7

Always Follow Up, Celebrate Success, and Give Thanks

  • Prompt Follow-Up: If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, send a polite follow-up email or call to reiterate your interest and inquire about their decision.
  • Share Impact Stories: Share stories and experiences that illustrate the impact of your partnership. Highlighting real examples and successes can reinforce the value of the collaboration and inspire continued support.
  • Thank Them: Regardless of the outcome, thank them for their time and consideration. This leaves a positive impression and opens the door for future opportunities.

Slide 8

Case Study Examples

  • Mills & Reeve and Hannah Nunn Kick Starter Coffee
  • Tees Law and Cambridge Acorn Project Legal Clinic

Slide 9

Benefits of Adopting Effective Partnership Strategies

  • Saves time and money
  • Enhance ROI (Return on Investment)
  • Maximise resource collaboration potential
  • Support sustainability of your organisation

Slide 10

Final Words – Image slide

We hope that you have enjoyed this short video, “An Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: 5 Things I Wish I Knew.” Hopefully, you now feel more equipped with some key points to get you off the starting block or to refresh your partnership strategy in this area for greater success.

Building influential relationships with corporate business partners, if done correctly, will help you diversify your income and resources while also boosting your credibility, profiling your organisation, reaching new audiences, making an even greater impact in your community, and sustaining your operations.

If you’re seeking to take your corporate partnership to the next level, we encourage you to enrol in our Foundation Course, “Winning Corporate Partnerships in 5 Steps.” This course will teach you to understand what businesses are looking for to attract their attention and how to use your time more efficiently to achieve better results with a proven strategic, relationship-first approach. It will also give you an overview of our strategic blueprint to help you build your Corporate Partnership Strategy.

Discover more about our courses, or subscribe to our newsletter for insightful tips and updates by taking a look at our website – www.getsynergised.com

Brought to you in collaboration with Support Cambridgeshire, CCVS, Hunts Forum and Get Synergised

 

 

The Library Presents is back!

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The Library Presents reveals the returning favourites and new delights set to perform in Cambridgeshire libraries this Autumn and Winter.

Libraries across the county will once again host an exciting programme of live performances and workshops running from October to December 2024. With 43 events taking place across 23 venues, The Library Presents offers something for everyone, from music and puppetry to dance, theatre, storytelling, and circus.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, September 19th. Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun and discover something new!

 

What’s On: Highlights of the Season

· Twinpossible by Kane & Abel: The comedic duo returns with a show blending stand-up, magic, and theatrical illusions – fun for all ages.

· The Three Little Pigs by Garlic Theatre: A fresh puppetry twist on the classic tale, set in Paris.

· LORE by James Wilton Dance: A super-physical, dynamic dance performance that dives into a pagan world of gods, demons, and humans.

· The Rainbow Butterfly by Ella Mesma Company: A vibrant family show combining storytelling, carnival, aerial circus, beatboxing, and Hip Hop dance.

· Havisham by Emul8 Theatre: Step into the dark, fractured world of Dickens’ most gothic character.

· Ghost of a Smile!: Two creepy, comical tales from Dickens performed by Nicholas Collett.

· Opera Dudes Christmas Special: Music and laughter in Whittlesey and Littleport.

· Folk Tales and Fiddles: Local folk music, foot-tapping tunes, and mysterious tales in Histon and March.

· Nature Elly from Barmpot Theatre: An exciting family puppet show for early years children and their families. This show includes British Sign Language and a pre-show Touch Tour is available on request.

 

Get Creative: Workshops for all ages Explore your creativity with workshops in visual arts, crafts, digital animation, dance, and more! New workshops this season include Murder Mystery, Miniature-Making, and Digital Animation.

Accessible events for everyone We remain committed to making “The Library Presents” accessible to all. Many performances are “Relaxed Events,” catering to neurodiverse and autistic audiences. We offer hearing loops on request, while some shows include British Sign Language interpretation, and pre-show Touch Tours. Visit the Events page on our website for detailed access information. Our first dementia-friendly event, Wonderland by Spiltmilk Dance, promises a festive show with music, dance, and gingerbread decorating!

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We are thrilled to support The Library Presents, which continues to bring a vibrant array of arts and cultural activities to communities across Cambridgeshire. The programme’s dedication to accessibility and diversity are truly commendable. It’s inspiring to see libraries transform into dynamic cultural spaces where everyone can engage with creativity. We are proud to contribute to an initiative that not only enriches local communities but also makes the arts affordable and inclusive for all.”

Affordable ticket pricing The Library Presents continues to offer good value tickets, thanks to public funding from Arts Council England. Ticket prices range from £2 to £10, with many concession options and “pay what you can” choices.

Join us and be inspired “We are proud to share the Autumn Season line-up. Now in its 7th year The Library Presents programme just gets better and better” said Councillor Tom Sanderson, chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council. “The programme offers an affordable opportunity to try something you’ve never done before; for you, your family and friends.

“Our libraries are more than just places for books, they are vibrant community spaces where people can come together to engage with culture and creativity. Discover all your library has to offer – it’s free to join and to use. We welcome you to browse and borrow our collection, access our PCs and WiFi for free and use our space to study, meet, share or just relax.”

Book now  www.library.live/the-library-presents or pick up a brochure at your local library. With such an exciting line-up, tickets are expected to sell quickly – so don’t wait!

Government/ Training for Adult Social Care/ Deadline 21st March 2025

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Training Funding for Adult Social Care Staff in England

Eligible adult social care employers in England can now claim funding for staff training costs through the Adult Social Care Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS). The scheme is open to non-regulated care staff, including deputy and Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered managers, as well as agency staff.

The funding is available for qualifying training courses and qualifications that have been both paid for and started between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. The reimbursement amount will vary according to the eligible qualifications, and it represents the maximum, not a default, amount.

The LDSS covers various adult social care services, such as residential care homes, day care services, domiciliary care, and community care services. These services include nursing and non-nursing care homes, sheltered housing, supported living, live-in care, and other similar services.

Employers can claim this funding on behalf of eligible staff to help them develop new skills, gain recognition for existing expertise, and specialise in new areas. This initiative aims to support the development of the non-regulated adult social care workforce in England, enhancing their capability and quality of care.

The overall funding pot is limited and once it has been exhausted, claims submitted will not receive reimbursement.

A deadline of 21 March 2025 applies for claims submitted this financial year. Late claims submitted between 22 March 2025 and 31 March 2025 (inclusive) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adult-social-care-learning-and-development-support-scheme

Income diversification discussion for voluntary sector groups

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Background

Support Cambridgeshire ran 2 discussion groups with voluntary sector groups considering the barriers to diversifying their income streams and discussing solutions to build more sustainable futures.

Group 1: comprised 4 smaller organisations with incomes of less than £50k per annum. The groups were a mixture of charities and CICs, all serving different local communities from a variety of perspectives, The current main source of income of for each organisation was grants, with some donations, sales, and member/subscription fees

Group 2: comprised 4 registered charities with turnovers exceeding £100k pa. Their main income sources were grants and contracts and in one case major donors. The funding streams engaged with were:

  • Grants
  • Contracts
  • One-off donations from individuals/online/text/bucket collections
  • Regular donations from individuals through direct debits
  • Large donations from individuals
  • Fundraising via organisational events
  • Fundraising by supporters
  • Sponsorship and business donations
  • Legacy giving
  • Trading through sale of goods and services
  • Donations from other organisations eg Rotary Club

Challenges to diversifying income

We asked the groups about the challenges they are facing in diversifying their income and what ideas they had around the support needed to help them generate more sustainable income.

The key challenges identified were:

  • Lack of capacity
  • Concerns around risk
  • Legal restrictions
  • Need to prioritise beneficiaries
  • Demands made by funders
  • Demands from business supporters

Lack of capacity.  Both in terms of staff time and relevant expertise to find ways to diversify income

All the groups cited lack of capacity as an issue.  The smaller organisations highlighted the need to recruit more volunteers and in particular trustees with the right skills.  They also mentioned the need to offer training and development support for their (often voluntary) leadership teams.

‘The effort it takes to raise money through those kinds of things is so high I think you’ve got to be a charity of a certain size where you’re able to cover those fixed costs.  When you’re this small you’re adding to someone’s role creating a real burden’

Concerns around risk.  Groups are hesitant to explore new income streams due to fear of financial and operational risks.

‘So often these events (organisational fundraisers) represent a massive gamble in terms of resource and costs and certainly don’t deliver the hoped for income gains.’ 

‘We are reliant on what we can raise, we can’t borrow or attract investment.  The more successful we are in meeting our clients’ needs the less funds we have.’

  • The need to prioritise needs of beneficiaries before all else

‘We must be sensitive and respectful about the way we portray our beneficiaries. They don’t want to be labelled disadvantaged.’

‘The absolute priority is the experience for the coworker so that is above and beyond anything that we produce.’

Demands made by funders both around application hurdles, geographic boundaries and reporting

‘There is often a really high level of work for a very low level of donation’

‘We aim to support refugees but the funding we have been given will only support those refugees within a certain local authority boundary, whereas refugees live all over Cambridgeshire, on top of that we get referrals from social prescribers that we refuse because the person doesn’t come from the area we are funded’

Demands from business supporters that can conflict with a group’s mission or operational capabilities

‘ I learned my lesson a bit about over promising to corporates you’ve really got to get crystal clear on how much you can actually deliver for what they’re giving you.’

The smaller organisations also highlighted:

  • The volunteers and trustees supporting the organisation did not have the skills or time to effectively support the growth of the organisation, leading to inconsistent support.
  • Perception that Cambridge organisations were more likely to receive donations than organisation located outside of the City- how could that culture of giving be extended across the county?

How to address the challenges

  • Provide greater access to expert support and guidance
  • Develop more opportunities for networks and peer support learning
  • Encourage the right kind of business support
  • Change the dynamic with grant funders.
  • Create a county wide ‘social value’ brand for Cambridgeshire

Provide greater access to expert support and guidance:

  • Legal/Finance support around trading, legacy and payroll giving
  • Financial guidance and training around budgeting and pricing strategies
  • Fundraising expertise and help with fundraising event logistics
  • Strategic development support.

‘We need to be having more conversations about Legacy giving but I find that most of the resources out there about it are pitched at much larger charities.’

Develop networking and peer support learning and action groups

  • Large scale events that bring in a wide range of potential, customers, partners, collaborators and experts to network and to learn from
  • Peer networks such as small charity CEO networks

Encourage the right kind of business support

The smaller organisations highlighted building relationships with businesses via business networks and The Get Synergised platform to help broker relationships.

The larger organisations had all experience of receiving support and income from businesses and want to improve the way voluntary organisations and business interact by:

  • Promoting the confidence of charity leaders in asking major donors and businesses for money without creating expectations that add additional demands on limited resources

‘We worry we aren’t qualified to talk to potential major donors but our knowledge of delivering front line services makes us passionate and credible.  This is our superpower.’

‘Sometimes it’s enough just to say can you give us some money – we don’t have to sugarcoat it or negotiate or discuss what you’ll get in return’

  • Persuading business to recognise the value of charity time and expertise and consider payroll giving

‘We’ve been lucky in having a few key businesspeople who’ve then been very generous with their contacts and that’s the way that we have become a little bit more known and garnered business donations.  The great thing about business donations from our point of view is that they are in the main unrestricted.’

‘Promoting your charity as an option for payroll giving is a really good one to put back to corporates.’

  • Promote more opportunities for collaboration with key institutions including universities

Change the dynamic with grant funders Title: Supporting Income Diversification for Voluntary Sector Groups Main Content: • Introduction: o Support Cambridgeshire conducted two focus groups with voluntary sector charities and CICs. The goal was to explore barriers to income diversification, potential solutions, and the future if no action is taken. • Barriers: o Lack of capacity o Concerns around risk o Legal restrictions o Need to prioritize beneficiaries over income o Demands made by funders o Demands from business supporters • Solutions: o Provide access to expert support and guidance o Develop more networks and peer support learning o Encourage appropriate business support o Change the dynamic with grant funders o Create a county-wide "social value" brand • The Future Without Change: o Reduced capacity to meet beneficiary needs o Staff burnout o Smaller organizations may not survive • Impact of Session: o Participants found the sessions very or extremely useful. They gained valuable insights and ideas to benefit their organizations, particularly regarding income diversification. The sessions also provided an opportunity to share experiences and best practices. Visual Elements: • Icons illustrating each section, such as a magnifying glass, a speech bubble, and a checkmark, are used to reinforce the points visually. The infographic uses a colour scheme of teal, orange, yellow, and green with bold and clear fonts.

Advocate for grant makers to adopt more flexible, long-term funding strategies that support capacity building and income generation Persuade funders to make their requirements proportionate.

Creating a countywide ‘social value’ brand to support individual marketing

County marketing to build a social value network in Cambridgeshire leveraging collective strength and raising the profile of their work within the county.

The future without change

We asked the groups what are the consequences of continuing with their existing funding models and where did they think they would be in 18 months’ time?  The larger organisations expected to still be in existence in 18 months’ time but had concerns about their capacity to deliver services and the wellbeing of their staff and volunteers.  The smaller organisations agreed that in the medium term they needed to change their current funding model if they were to survive.

The groups focussed on:

  • Staff burnout

‘Something’s got to shift either we have to grow (and take on more capacity and expertise) or shrink.  We can’t sustain where we are now.’

‘I am the only person who writes the funds, manages and reports on them and it is only a small part of my job – burnout is a concern’

  • The dangers of having an inbuilt cycle of short-term planning

‘Our horizons are short term.  I don’t have a road map into next year, it is hand to mouth all the time.’

‘We will carry on, but we have a crumbling building that needs work and issues with keeping our staff motivated.’

 

Impact of focus group sessions

The groups’ feedback was that the sessions were very useful or extremely useful and agreed they had gained something to benefit their organisations.  They welcomed the opportunity to share experiences and best practice and took away income diversification ideas to discuss with their own organisations.

‘It was reassuring learning about the issues that other managers were experiencing, and the similarity with mine! Particular approaches to fundraising were especially useful and the commonality around the balancing act of being both inclusive and money focused.’

If you are interested in discussing ideas around income diversification for your not for profit organisation, please get in touch: enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk

Let’s talk about trading

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We recently hosted an event – one of three this summer exploring funding diversification for charities.  The focus of this event was on trading.  We kicked off with a presentation from Livia Velicu – an Associate in the Charity and Social Enterprise team at Bates Wells, followed by presentations from three local charities who are trading or in the process of developing their ideas on trading.

Livia gave us a whistle stop tour of charities and trading looking at the legal basis on which charities can trade without creating a trading subsidiary.  She then went on to explain when it might be advantageous to set up a trading subsidiary and the pros and cons of doing so.  You can watch a recording of Livia’s presentation here.

The charities sharing their experiences around trading were:

Cambridge Community Arts (CCA) – a social inclusion charity that uses art place-based activities to support personal growth, improve health and wellbeing.

The Kite Trust – who work to support the wellbeing and creativity of LGBTQ+ young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Romsey Mill – who are committed to overcoming disadvantage, injustice and social inclusion with young people, children and families across Cambridgeshire and into Peterborough.

We asked each charity:

– what they do at present by way of trading

– the contribution it makes to their charitable mission.

– how they see trading in the context of their funding mix now and in the future

CCA’s new CEO Emily Jolley shared that her charity is at an early stage in their trading journey.  Historically they have obtained most of their income from contracts with some trading income derived from learners contributing to fees.  Their main contract is coming to an end which has led the team to re-evaluate their approach to trading income.  Trading plans include looking to develop workshops for companies around employee engagement and wellbeing, and running one off workshops for paying learners.

Emily went on to conclude that aside from the need to develop inhouse expertise and delivery models to make a success of trading, there were barriers to overcome towards charities looking to raise income and that this needed to be addressed.

The Kite Trust’s CEO Pip Gardner shared that around 20% of their income comes from primary purpose trading.  There are 3 strands to this:

  1. Merchandising which makes a minimal contribution.
  1. Work with schools – originally local authority grant funded, the Rainbow Flag Award is a national programme which The Kite trust run in partnership with charities from elsewhere in the country.  The programme is set up to focus on positive LGBT+ inclusion and to tackle LGBT phobic bullying in schools and is funded by fees from schools.  The Kite Trust views this programme as aligned with their charitable purpose and is run to break even rather make profit as they recognise the limits on school budgets.
  1. Training consultancy – after a slow and unsteady start (thanks to the pandemic) this income strand is starting to yield income – the target is 5% of the charity’s turnover.  To develop training consultancy income the charity has made significant investment in developing a bank of associate trainers (from a wide range of backgrounds) and recruited staff specifically to manage the programme.  Early in the process the charity was able to secure a grant to build capacity for the development of this funding stream which helped limit some of their financial liability.  The Kite Trust is currently looking to develop a business plan with systems, processes and marketing to scale up the training consultancy programme.

Romsey Mill’s CEO Neil Perry outlined that at £300k, trading represents around 17% of his charity’s income.  The main areas of trading activity are:

  • Romsey Mill’s charity shop on Mill Road
  • Cara Coffee social enterprise coffee shop in Shelford
  • Hall hire from the three local halls that the charity manages
  • Some training and resources sold to other organisations.

Romsey Mill’s approach to trading is reflective of the relational rather than transactional approach the charity takes to its activities.  They look for trading to bring together community benefit including valuable volunteering experiences.  Neil highlighted the importance of looking for capital funding to help set up any enterprise rather than risking a charity’s own reserves.  As Neil made clear, trading is ‘not a pot of gold’ it is resource and time intensive – Cara Coffee after several years now makes a £9,000 surplus but this is in large part because the café operates rent free.

Neil recommended that organisations considering trading:

  • Review their current income mix
  • Learn from others and be prepared to innovate
  • Be clear about their ideal income mix and their organisation’s approach to risk
  • Be realistic about timescales and results.

Looking to the future Romsey Mill are open to developing further social enterprises and are considering developing their knowledge and experience products.

To hear much more from the three charities involved in the event you can see a recording here.

If you are interested in discussing ideas around income diversification for your not for profit organisation, please get in touch with us at enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk

Could you be our next employee?

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Support Cambridgeshire partners (CCVS and Hunts Forum) following the announcement of the partnership receiving five years of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to operate in Fenland. They aim to fill three positions to conduct the activity throughout the district.

Support Fenland was established in 2021 when Support Cambridgeshire secured funding from Lloyds Foundation Bank to initiate a one-year trial project examining the potential structure of an infrastructure support service in Fenland. This trial yielded a report advocating for additional funding within the district to expand upon the completed work and sustain its impact. Some aspects of the pilot project have been integrated into the broader work of Support Cambridgeshire.

After several years of discussions among stakeholders and fundraising efforts, in 2024, the National Lottery Community Fund granted funding for a five-year initiative to develop and implement infrastructure support throughout Fenland.

About the role

All roles are part-time and require individuals who are residents within the Fenland District area.

Application for the roles

We want to hear from you if you want to join our fantastic team. Please complete the Application Form Stage One to clarify which role you are applying for and return it with your CV to hr@huntsforum.org.uk by 9:00 a.m. on 27th September 2024.

Application Form Stage One 2024

Should you succeed, you must come for an in-person interview on October 11th at the Maple Centre, 6 Oak Drive, Huntingdon. All shortlisted candidates will be required to fill out an Application Form Stage Two form and, at this point, provide references.

Shortlisting will be done with the information provided within the application and CV, so please include everything relevant.

If you would like to talk about any of the roles, please call Kathryn Shepherdson on 07809214894 / kathryn@huntsforum.org.uk

Please note that we will not accept companies.

 

Communications Officer – Managed by CCVS

Job title:                 Fenland Communications Worker

Contract:                Fixed Term (5 years)

Hours of Work:        14 hours per week (35 full-time)

Salary:                        £26,849 to £29,832 pro rata per annum

Responsible to:        CCVS Deputy CEO / Fenland Development Officer

Location:                 Hybrid with touchdown base somewhere in Fenland. Regular travel in and around Fenland and the occasional visit to the CCVS office, 16-18 Arbury Court, Cambridge, CB4 2JQ

Full Job Description (Link)

 

The National Lottery Community Fund

This project would not be possible without the funding received from The National Lottery Community Fund.

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