Money Available For Local Charities

The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF), the city’s umbrella body with over 500 charities and voluntary groups in its membership, is today (6 April 2011) launching a local grants scheme to help local charities survive the tough financial climate.

The scheme, called ‘Ready, Responding & Resilient’ has been funded by Brighton and Hove City Council, and charities can apply for grants of up to £1000. The money can be used to help them fundraise, manage volunteers, or get expert support to help them find new ways of generating income.

CVSF brings together charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises to work together and have a strong voice to influence local plans and policies. With over 33 elected representatives, it is well placed to understand the current issues and problems faced by the city.

Sally Polanski, Chief Executive of CVSF, says: “The city’s charities and voluntary groups, many of them operating on a tiny income, provide services and help to hundreds of local people every week. But with the financial difficulties we are all facing, services are finding it very tough, particularly the ones providing advice and who are seeing a massive increase in people looking for help. For many, these grants could mean the difference between surviving or folding.”

Grants given out last year paid for training, IT, consultancy support, fundraising event equipment, print and design and marketing support.

Dominue De-Light, of Creative Future, who received a grant last year, says: “With another computer we have been able to take on more volunteers, who have increased project delivery and helped us with fundraising and sponsorship. As a result these volunteers have raised £2,500 since this grant was awarded in just 3 months.”

Grants of up to £1000 are available from 6 April 2011 and will be awarded on a 'first come, first served' basis. 

Download the application form and further information.

Additional money is available for HR support. Download the HR support application form. You might also find the HR Support Directory and Flowchart useful.

For more information or to talk through an idea, contact Emma Daniel at CVSF on 01273 810241.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

  • The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum has 529 members.
  • A survey carried out in 2009 found that volunteers donate 57,6000 hour per week to charities and voluntary groups in Brighton and Hove.

 

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