Useful Info – March 2023
February 27, 2023
Events, training, charity news, surveys, research, feedback, reports, services and much more – in one handy place!
This page will be updated with new information as we receive it during March. Please check back regularly. (Last update: 27/03/23)
You can view last month’s Useful Information here to catch up on new information added during February ’23.
If you’ve seen something you think we should be sharing, let us know! Email us: info@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Training and Events
Hidden: Communities setting priorities for research
Tuesday 18 April 2023, online. Join award-winning arts and health organisation (Royal Society of Public Health, 2022) Made By Mortals for an interactive workshop. Using sound design, original music and guided by the voices of people with lived experience you will meet Joanna.
Joanna is a fictional character. She likes to wear colourful clothes when she can. Joanna has psychosis. She spent much of her time in hospital struggling to get better. Joanna also has type two diabetes.
Find out more in the attached flyer and book your free place here
Planning a low carbon event for Great Big Green Week
27 April 2023. Great Big Green Week takes place from 10th – 18th June. This online training session provides ideas on planning and promoting your event.
This session will give more information about the funding opportunities available through CAfS, and look at what can contribute to a successful low carbon event.
Employment law training for charity leaders
Tuesday 16 May. It is important for charity leaders to have a robust knowledge of employment law to ensure employees are managed fairly and effectively, especially in the era of hybrid working.
Essential Employment Law for Charity Leadership is an online training course. The programme will provide a comprehensive overview of the laws and regulations around recruitment, diversity and inclusion, disciplinary issues, flexible working, safeguarding and much more.
Webinar: How to organise an event
13 April. In this webinar, Lisa Rowland, Charity Digital’s Events Manager, shares her tips and advice on everything events, from managing your budget and marketing your event to what you need to know to help it run smoothly on the day.
Webinar: Addressing your funding strategy
29 March 2023. A panel of experts from across charity and donor services at CAF will be discussing funding strategies; getting the right funding mix for your situation and finding the right funders for your strategy.
Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Provider Collaboratives
31 March, online. Chaired by Lord Victor Adebowale, this event will consider themes from NHS Confed’s recent engagement with people across the country who are working to maximise the potential of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector in Provider Collaboratives.
NHS Confed will be joined by a panel of special guests who will share learning and insights from their own work and along with attendees, exploring some key questions that have emerged, such as, ‘how can we elevate the role of the VCSE from a transactional relationship with Provider Collaboratives to a transformational partnership of equals?’
Good Conversations Volunteer Training
National charity, Linking Lives UK, has recently developed a volunteer training session aimed at volunteers operating in community spaces such as lunch clubs, community cafes, drop-in centres or warm spaces.
Lasting for two hours and run as a webinar, the course covers subjects such as ‘effective listening skills’, ‘boundaries’ and ‘safeguarding’. It is based on skills used through befriending schemes which form part of the charity’s work to address loneliness and social isolation.
Further information about taster session and course dates can be found here
Webinar: Strategies for increasing your nonprofit’s reach
Thursday 23 March. Join this upcoming webinar from Benevity to learn effective strategies for boosting your nonprofit’s online visibility.
They will share tips on how to optimize your website, leverage social media, email marketing and other digital platforms to take your online presence to the next level.
Free digital training
Are you interested in working in tech but don’t know where to start?
TechUPWomen have launched their newest programme for 2023, Click Start, training 120 more women and non-binary people into tech careers.
Virtual Fundraisers Networking Events
Thursday 30 March. As we adapt to living with COVID-19, and with many people continuing to work from home or in isolation, there has never been a greater need for fundraisers to get together and share knowledge and experience.
Since April 2020, Get Grants have delivered monthly Virtual Fundraisers Networking Events – supporting the sector whilst it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Get Grants free introduction workshops
Following the success of Get Grants 10th Anniversary events, we are pleased to announce the return of our FREE Introduction Workshops! These workshops provide a taster session, filled with top tips and advice, of each of our training courses.
Thursday 23 March: Introduction to Bid Writing for Charities and Community Groups Workshop
Thursday 20 April: Introduction to Bid Writing in Sports Workshop
Thursday 18 May: Introduction to Community Fundraising Workshop
Thursday 8 June: Introduction to Major Donor Fundraising Workshop
Thursday 22 June: Introduction to Trusts & Foundations Workshop
Thursday 6 July: Introduction to Individual Giving Workshop
Tuesday 25 July: Introduction to Corporate Fundraising Workshop
Friday 29 September: Introduction to Using Data in Fundraising Workshop
Tuesday 10 October: Introduction to Storytelling in Fundraising Workshop
Friday 10 November: Introduction to Fundraising Strategy Workshop
Online Developing a Fundraising Strategy Training Course
Wednesday 26 April & Wednesday 3 May. Across the sector, fundraisers and charity leaders are working to ensure their organisations put themselves in the best possible position to meet the future needs of their beneficiaries.
Having diverse income sources that works for you is an essential part of making your organisation stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient. In response to demand from the sector, Get Grants Online Developing a Fundraising Strategy Training Course has been created to give fundraisers the practical skills and knowledge to develop an effective fundraising strategy and increase their organisation’s income and sustainability.
Online Storytelling for Fundraising Training Course
Wednesday 12 April & Wednesday 19 April. Get Grants Online Storytelling for Fundraising Training Course is designed to support fundraisers to improve their fundraising confidence and success through effective use of storytelling.
Telling stories is a powerful tool that is too often overlooked. Stories are used to engage, inform, persuade, and create connections between people. As a fundraiser, storytelling is a valuable skill that can be used to influence your potential supporters and maximise on your fundraising efforts.
Online Bid Writing for Charities and Community Groups Course
Thursday 6 April & Thursday 13 April. Get Grants Online Bid-Writing Course will give you practical support to improve your grant fundraising success and inspire you to become a more confident grant fundraiser.
In attending our course, you will access expert insights, crucial information, and friendly advice that will help you increase your organisation’s income through grant funding.
Online Corporate Fundraising Course
Tuesday 11 April & Tuesday 18 April. Get Grants Online Corporate Fundraising Training Course is a practical learning session designed to support fundraisers and non-profit organisations to increase their Corporate Fundraising success.
Increasing your knowledge of Corporate Fundraising will help you to develop new business relationships and diversify your organisation’s potential income. In doing so, you have the potential to increase your organisation’s financial sustainability, aiding you in meeting your organisation’s objectives.
Free online Multiply course
From 03 April 2023. Improve your numeracy from the comfort of home. Free online Multiply course, just for people living in Cumbria.
You use numbers every day, from working out your household budget to helping the kids with their homework. Every time you do the weekly shop or trying to keep up with the cost-of-living crisis, you’re using maths skills. Our free online maths course for adults helps you boost these numeracy skills that you use every day. The online classes are available 24/7, so you can learn at your own pace.
Leading the Charge – Electrifying Travel in Cumbria
Tuesday 14 March, at The Pencil Factory in Keswick. Cumbria’s Electric Vehicle Charging Partnership are offering organisations expert advice from industry leaders on how to reduce their #carbon emissions at a free event. The partnership is made up of a group of organisations from across Cumbria, who are working together to deliver a coordinated approach to addressing the future electric vehicle charging needs of the county.
The free event, which is being organised in partnership with Electricity North West Ltd, the Distribution Network Operator for the North West, aims to enable local businesses and organisations to make the transition to electric vehicles.
Navigating the cost of living crisis – advice for charity finance leaders
9 March 2023. Join this Third Sector Insight webinar, produced with Sage Intacct, as we discuss the impact the cost of living crisis is having on the sector and what charity finance leaders can be doing to try to meet the challenge.
Understanding Fuel Poverty and Health: Impacts on Mental Health
22 or 27 March 2023. The physical impacts of a cold, damp home are significant and righty highlighted, but the mental effects of fuel poverty should not be overlooked.
NEA are offering funded places on this course, designed for frontline staff who work with vulnerable and low-income groups who are at risk from living in cold and damp homes. It covers the impacts that living in fuel poverty can have on individuals’ mental health.
Social Prescribing Day 2023
Social Prescribing Day on 9 March is an annual celebration of social prescribing, recognising link workers, local community groups and regional and national organisations which support people’s health and wellbeing.
NASP are holding their Social Prescribing Show on the day. Tickets to attend in person are sold out but you can still book online tickets to tune into the live-streamed day of inspiring, informative sessions and performances. NASP have also produced a social media toolkit so everyone can join in on #SocialPrescribingDay.
NAVCA Anti-Racist Group – focus for 2023
Would you like to network with other NAVCA members to share learning and plan action around anti-racism? Join our Anti-Racist group, open to anyone who is committed to tackling anti-racism in our local communities and organisations.
We’ve already got a jam-packed agenda for the coming year, and we invite you to come along to our next meeting on Thursday 16 March at 3pm-4:30pm, where we will be discussing the cost of living crisis, the disproportionate impact on people and communities of colour, and how we can tackle this.
Webinar: Strategies for increasing your nonprofit’s reach
Thursday 23 March. Join this upcoming webinar from Benevity to learn effective strategies for boosting your nonprofit’s online visibility. They will share tips on how to optimize your website, leverage social media, email marketing and other digital platforms to take your online presence to the next level.
Free MS awareness training
Wednesday 29 March, Wednesday 24 May, Wednesday 26 July, Wednesday 27 September, Wednesday 29 November. Are you a community-based professional or volunteer? Do you work in health or social care? Do you work for a charity, community voluntary organisation or social enterprise? Are you an employer looking to know more about multiple sclerosis (MS)?
We are hosting free MS awareness training sessions for you. Due to demand, additional dates are available.
Better Together – community activities in Carlisle
Looking for a range of community activities in Carlisle for older adults, disability groups, those in need of social experiences and those with underlying health conditions?
Better Together has lots of activities for you! Click on the thumbnail for more information.
‘Cost-of-living’ events
Four new ‘cost-of-living’ events have been announced by Cumbria County Council’s West Cumbria Community Development team. The Cost-of-Living and Better Health events, aimed at professionals and residents in West Cumbria, will highlight the advice and support available to help with the cost-of-living, as well as physical and mental health.
The free events will be held across four different venues in Allerdale and Copeland:
• Millom Guide Hall, Tuesday 28 February 2023, from 10am to 2pm
• Wigton Market Hall, Wednesday 1 March 2023, from 12 noon to 7pm
• Workington Christ Central Church, Tuesday 7 March 2023, from 12 noon to 7pm
• Cleator Moor Civic Hall, Wednesday 8 March 2023, from 12 noon to 7pm
Wellbeing and Information Centre opening
Wednesday 1 March, 10am. A Connecting Communities in Carlisle partnership – made up of third sector organisations and local councils – has announced the creation of a Wellbeing and Information Centre in the heart of Carlisle.
The centre will provide information to the public on what the third sector and other community groups in the area can offer, in the former New Seasons shop at 53 Scotch Street, on the edge of The Lanes Shopping Centre, opposite Carlisle Tourist Information Centre.
The partners include iCan Health and Fitness CIC, Age UK Carlisle and Eden, Glenmore Trust, Cumbria Health on Call (CHoC) and Carlisle City Council.
Webinar: Charities and the climate crisis
Thursday 16 March. In this webinar, Charity Digital will explore definitions of climate change and the climate crisis, impacts of climate change in the UK, why charities need to lead on climate action, how charities can lead, the resources to support your journey, and so much more.
Cumbria Rural Academy – Equine therapy
Tuesday 21 March. Cumbria Rural Academy is based at Bigland Hall near Haverthwaite in South Cumbria. A Community Interest Company, they work to improve people’s lives through events and courses using horses and equine therapeutic approaches. These range from engaging with often disadvantaged young people through their Alternative Education programme, to working with business people to develop communication, self-awareness, and leadership skills.
Cumbria Rural Academy would like to show others in the third and public sectors in Cumbria what can be achieved through their equine-based work, and are hosting an event which will showcase two of their programmes.
More details and how to book here
VCSE Alliance Webinar – Coordinating ICS Partnerships at System & Place
Tuesday 14 March, online. One of three VCSE Alliance webinars hosted by NAVCA. This event focuses on coordinating ICS partnerships at system and place levels.
This webinar is likely to be of interest to people involved in partnership building in ICSs and at place level, in the NHS, local government and VCSE sector.
Teenage Market – Carlisle
Saturday 22 April 2023. This exciting new market will be at the Market Square in the centre of Carlisle for the first time. It offers young people a chance to test their entrepreneurial ideas and make money from their hobbies. On the day we will offer young people a chance to show off their talents in our performance space. If you know any young people who love to perform, please support them to make their debut in the city centre.
Young people can sign up if they want a stall, wish to perform, or you they can do both! They must be aged 8 – 25 years and the Teenage Market will be a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive space.
Made in Barrow exhibition
Friday 3 March. A special preview and a chance for a chat over a drink to celebrate the opening of the Made in Barrow exhibition (Click on thumbnail for more info). There will be light refreshments and children are welcome.
The exhibition showcases the wide range of creativity that BarrowFull have supported, produced and enabled over the past two years – as well as giving visitors a peek behind the scenes of an Arts Council Creative People & Places programme and its Consortium – and we’d love it if you were able to join.
easyfundraising Events
Thursday 9 March. Get Grants have partnered with easyfundraising, the UK’s biggest charity shopping site, because we want charities, community groups, sports clubs, and schools to have access to our expertise and insights.
Across the next year we will be delivering friendly bi-monthly events, with the aim of bringing fundraisers together.
Online Using Data to Increase Fundraising Success Course
Friday 3 March & Friday 10 March. Get Grants Online Using Data to Increase Fundraising Success Course adapts our face-to-face Using Data to Increase Fundraising Success Course online. It will aid you in incorporating freely available data, simple analysis, monitoring, and evaluation into your fundraising efforts.
During our course, you will learn the importance including a range of data in your funding applications and implementing effective project monitoring & evaluation to improve your chance of fundraising success.
Online Major Donor Fundraising Course
Wednesday 29 March & Wednesday 5 April. Get Grants Major Donor Fundraising Course offers a comprehensive overview of the major donor fundraising process and includes practical examples for you to apply to your organisation.
Major gifts fundraising is an income stream with one of the highest returns on investment. Major Donor fundraising has been identified, along with legacies, as areas of fundraising growth for the coming years.
Online Bid Writing for Charities and Community Groups Course
Tuesday 21 March & Tuesday 28 March. Get Grants Online Bid-Writing Course will give you practical support to improve your grant fundraising success and inspire you to become a more confident grant fundraiser.
In attending our course, you will access expert insights, crucial information, and friendly advice that will help you increase your organisation’s income through grant funding.
Online Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Training Courses
Tuesday 7 March & Tuesday 14 March. Get Grants’ Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Course will equip you with the techniques and practices you need to increase your organisation’s income through Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
This course supports attendees to establish, deliver, and manage an effective Trusts and Foundations fundraising programme that works for your organisation.
A Day with Professor Tony Attwood
Thursday 18 May. Professor Attwood is one of the world’s leading experts on Autism and will be doing a full day of presentations specially chosen to benefit parents, carers and people who support those with Autism as well as individuals themselves.
Skills Bootcamps in Project Management
1-31 March 2023. This taught, on-line course is aimed at employed learners who would benefit from formalising their existing practical project delivery experience or learners who may be required to initiate and deliver projects in the future.
The course begins with an introduction to Project Management and then develops knowledge and skills through completing practical exercises over a number of areas in a supportive learning environment. Special subsidised prices available.
NAVCA Annual Conference 2023
Online conference, 27 April 2023. It is open to all members of staff and trustees from NAVCA member organisations, and is designed to allow more of our members to engage with NAVCA’s work, no matter where you are based. One ticket allows an unlimited number of staff from the same organisation to attend.
We have added more speakers to our programme including Adam Lent, CEO of New Local, and Angela Spence, CEO of Kensington and Chelsea Social Council (KCSC).
Find out more and buy tickets here
Every Life Matters: new training dates for 2023
Every Life Matters strives to take a fresh, innovative and long term approach to suicide prevention and suicide bereavement support in Cumbria.
Our training aims to reduce the stigma attached to suicide, increase understanding of when someone is at risk of suicide, raise awareness of how to practically support someone, and the range of services and resources available for people in our communities experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Course dates are available through to April for: Suicide Alertness; Suicide First Aid; Safety Planning; Supporting Children’s Mental Health; Self Harm Alertness; Understanding Suicide Bereavement; Suicide Awareness; ASK – Assessing Suicide in Kids; Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Click here for more information and to book. Most are free.
Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) BGKT 2023 meeting dates
Please view this document to see details of events taking place in 2023, including monthly open meetings and Vesak Celebration in May.
Meet the Funder Events
Dates through until September’23. There has never been a greater need for fundraisers to get-together and share knowledge and experience. Get Grants FREE Virtual Events bring fundraisers across the UK together to share experiences and connect with other fundraisers.
In our popular Meet the Funder Virtual Events, Get Grants Funding Experts are joined by funders to talk about their funding programmes. These events give attendees the opportunity to speak directly to funders, take part in discussions, get unique insights, and ask questions specific to their project or organisation.
Dementia Information Sessions
Monthly dates through to March ’23 at Longtown & Brampton Community Centres, from Carlisle Dementia Action Alliance.
Click here to see more details.
VCFSE News and Information
Emergency Alerts test
The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live.
The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. Emergency Alerts are sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data, and only the emergency services can send them. You can check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts
An Emergency Alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a message on your screen. Find out more here
The new Emergency Alerts system will be tested nationally on Sunday 23 April. A comms pack is available here, which links to resources for social media, posters, etc.
Small charities’ views sought after infrastructure body’s closure announcement
The Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) is seeking views on a “long-term solution” to ensure the future needs of small charities can be met after it closes this year.
The small charity infrastructure body recently announced that it will close in spring due to funding constraints while looking to secure ongoing support for small charities through other means.
Adoption of Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
On 8 March 2023, South Lakeland District Council adopted the Cartmel CAMP SPD. As a supplementary planning document, the Cartmel CAMP forms a material consideration in determining planning applications affecting the Cartmel conservation area.
The adopted Cartmel CAMP SPD, Consultation Statement and the Adoption Statement can be inspected on the Council’s website and at the following locations during normal opening hours:
- South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal LA9 4DL
- Libraries in Kendal, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston
- Cartmel Village Hall and Cartmel Priory
How to write a charity grant application
Kate Peters, Director of Grantmaking at Community Foundation for Surrey, outlines some key aspects to help you make the most of your grant applications.
Charity fundraising complaints up a quarter since November, says regulator
The Fundraising Regulator has seen a 24% increase in complaints since November last year, an event heard on 21 March.
Speaking at the regulator’s annual event at the British Museum, chief executive Gerald Oppenheim said that there has been a “marked increase” in complaints to the regulator.
Coronation volunteering app launches – with 1,500 charities posting role
A mobile phone app has launched to link prospective volunteers with charities ahead of King Charles’ coronation weekend.
Hundreds of thousands of volunteering opportunities, hosted by more than 1,500 charities, have already been made available through the Big Help Out app.
Could match funding launch a giving boom?
Match funding is an effective way to engage government, small-scale donors, and philanthropists alike.
Why charities should champion the personal connection in fundraising
Fundraisers are being urged to better understand donors’ personal connection to good causes.
Latest News from Cumbria County Council
You can view Cumbria County Council’s newsletter from 17 March here, including:
- Volunteers from Hensingham Day Service create a living artwork for the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest
- Great Big Green Week grants available thanks to funding from Cumbria County Council
- Celebrating new apprenticeship opportunities in Cumbria
Lloyds Bank Foundation opens £1.8m fund for charities to campaign on national policy
Charities seeking to influence and change national policy in relation to accommodation, social security and refugees and asylum seekers have been invited to apply to a new £1.8m funding pot.
The fund was launched this month by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales (LBFEW), with the funder seeking to partner with charities to influence and change national policy in England and Wales.
Sources of funding every charity should consider
Dawa Dem, CAF’s Lead Advisory Manager, talks through four key sources of funding to suit charities of all sizes.
How to support your staff
Six ways to support your people during the cost-of-living crisis from CAF’s Director of People and Purpose, David Jessop.
Cutting energy costs
Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, shares her top ten energy saving tips for other charity managers wrestling with energy bills.
Cost-of-living resources
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has gathered a wide range of experts to provide the resources you need to navigate the cost-of-living crisis and help our communities. From governance and planning to attracting new funding, they can help you gain insight and plan for uncertainty.
Coronation Champions Awards: Who is your volunteering hero?
Royal Voluntary Service, together with Her Majesty The Queen Consort, has launched the Coronation Champions Awards. The awards recognise and reward volunteers who have given their time to help others in their community.
The awards will celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the country who have been contributing to their communities. They may be those who have overcome adversity to help people in their community or who have come up with the most amazing ideas. Anyone aged 14 years old and over can be nominated.
Find out more about the Coronation Champions Awards, including the 8 Award categories and how to nominate someone here.
Win £6,500 worth of Solar Panel Installation
Register your club or charity to be in with a chance of winning a solar panel installation worth £6,500 in association with Create Energy.
Competition is open to clubs and charities in Kendal and within a 10 mile radius. More information in the attached article and you can register here
‘We have been heard’ – charity sector reacts to spring budget
Voluntary organisations have welcomed Jeremy Hunt’s recognition of the sector and money for charities in his spring budget but many have warned of continued hardships faced by their beneficiaries.
The chancellor unveiled a raft of new announcements in his spring budget, including more than £100m for charities and an extension to household energy support.
Government extends household energy bills support after charities-backed campaign
The government has said it will extend financial support for domestic customers for three months following an energy campaign backed by several charities.
In February, financial journalist Martin Lewis named Citizens Advice, Fair By Design, National Energy Action, and StepChange in a letter to chancellor Jeremy Hunt, urging him to postpone a planned 20% increase to the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG).
Small charity infrastructure body to close due to funding constraints
Trustees at the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) will formally wind up the infrastructure charity, due to funding issues, it announced recently.
The aim is to close the charity in Spring 2023, and trustees say they will look to secure ongoing support for small charities through other means.
Jeremy Hunt announces over £100m for charities in spring budget
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced more than £100m for charities in this year’s spring budget.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said around three quarters of the funding will be used to deliver grants in 2023-24, targeted at those frontline charities and community organisations most impacted by increased demand for their services from vulnerable people and increased delivery costs.
How to get useful user research insights from focus groups
Catalyst have developed a free resource for anyone running user research for their organisation and wants to conduct research activities in a group setting.
It covers why user research training often teaches people to avoid running focus groups, the key principles for successful sessions and activities to use and considers the reasons you might choose to run group sessions.
National Lottery dedicate up to £10m for energy and climate community-driven projects
The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK is making up to £10 million available to community-driven projects across the UK that are focussing on the link between Energy and Climate.
The Climate Action Fund opened earlier this month for UK applications that can deliver environmental and societal benefits through community-driven energy projects.
National Lottery Heritage Fund publish 10-year strategy
National Lottery Heritage Fund have shared their 10-year strategy, which has been shaped by grantee feedback and almost 30 years of grant giving experience. Four investment principles will underpin all decision making, from open programmes to strategic investments, these are:
- saving heritage
- protecting the environment
- inclusion, access and participation
- organisational sustainability
Bringing together Health Champions from the North East and North Cumbria
VONNE, in partnership with the Office for Health Inequalities and Disparities (OHID), hosted an interactive workshop recently at the Durham Centre to share learning and best practice and look at opportunities generated by the Health Champions programme. You can read more about the event here.
There were lively discussions on topics including learning from Covid and the role of Community Champions, utilising Make Every Contact Count (MECC), and engaging ethnically diverse communities through the Health Champion approach.
How AI can boost user experience
Artificial intelligence can help your charity to thrive by making online interactions easier, quicker, and more effective.
Commission urged to ‘rethink’ personal social media posts guidance after Lineker affair
Charities were urged to respond to the regulator’s consultation on its draft social media guidance, which closed recently.
The Charity Commission said it has received “several hundred responses” to the consultation, which drew concerns when it opened in January over the guidance’s warnings over charity staff’s personal social media accounts.
How to make your technology greener
Charity Digital share how charities can strive towards Net Zero and climate goals with these easy tips.
Top fundraising ideas for Ramadan
For Muslims, Ramadan is a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and philanthropy. Here are some fundraising ideas during Ramadan for charities.
What makes an inspiring legacy fundraising campaign?
A new Legacy Showcase has launched with the aim of inspiring legacy fundraisers, featuring short videos of innovative legacy campaigns from around the world.
Latest News from Cumbria County Council
You can view Cumbria County Council’s newsletter from 10 March here, including:
- Cumbria County Council awarded £139k in government funding to expand new digital tool
- Cumbria County Council celebrates progress on its digital infrastructure strategy and success of community gigabit broadband
- Hundreds of trees planted in Hensingham as part of Cumbria Coastal Community Forest
Commission chair weighs in on charity campaigning discourse about refugees
The chair of the Charity Commission has called on the charity sector to “model a better kind of public discourse” on migrants and refugees.
Writing in a blog, Orlando Fraser said that charities that engage in political campaigning must do so in a “responsible and measured fashion” that does not incite inflammatory rhetoric and undermine public trust.
Podcast: Cost-of-living crisis: the main challenges of 2023
In this podcast, Charity Digital discuss the importance of financial sustainability, meeting excessive energy bills, combating cyber threats, treating staff and volunteers fairly, ensuring extra provisions for service users, and more.
How to tackle inclusion, wellbeing, and safety online
A look at the charities working to improve the digital world through digital accessibility, online safety, digital literacy and access, and mental health.
Hunt urged to include targeted sector support in Spring budget: ‘Act on these warnings’
More than 30 civil society organisations have called on the Chancellor to act now with targeted support to help communities during the cost-of-living crisis.
Ahead of the Spring budget, sector infrastructure bodies and charities have warned Jeremy Hunt of the devastating impact if charities are forced to shut down or limit operations due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Fundraising Regulator sees increase in case ‘complexity’ and public awareness
The cases seen by the Fundraising Regulator have become more complex over the past few years, according to its chief executive Gerald Oppenheim.
According to its latest accounts there was an increase in public awareness of its existence, as well as an increase in fundraising suppressions during 2021-22, and a slight increase in complaints year-on-year.
How to create the perfect survey
How charities can collect all the right data by pitching the right survey to receptive audiences.
How to make your website greener
A look at some easy changes you can make to ensure your website is sustainable.
Sector Focus: Managing your finances in challenging times
Many arts and cultural charities are facing incredibly challenging financial circumstances. Increased utility costs, high inflation, real-term cuts to Arts Council England (ACE) funding and a difficult recruitment market are all combining to create a harsh economic environment.
Hundreds of charities and social enterprises to receive £31m of dormant assets
Hundreds of charities and social enterprises are set to receive £31m via the dormant assets scheme, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced.
DCMS said that an extra £76m of funding will be allocated to people who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Of this, 41% will be distributed to charities and social enterprises by social investors Access and Big Society Capital (BSC) to help them with the rising cost of energy and increased demands.
HR 101: health and safety in the workplace
Health and safety is a priority for all charities. This article explores the role of HR professionals in looking after staff welfare.
The top workplace trends for 2023
Charity Digital explores the top trends that might affect your organisation in 2023.
How to work with freelancers effectively
A look at some of the best ways that charities can improve their relationships with freelancers.
Winter Warm Spot and Cost of Living Support in Kendal
Every Wednesday, 10am-1pm at Kendal Town Hall. As part of the COLC (Cost of Living Crisis) initiative, The Well Communities CIC are offering a range of support services and health advice in South Lakeland.
Click on the thumbnail for more information.
Digital Marketing for Charities in 2023 – Comprehensive Guide
Digital marketing is one of the most important tools that charities can use to engage their target audience and potential supporters and promote their cause. With so many different channels and strategies to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start.
This comprehensive guide will help you develop your digital marketing skills, covering everything from social media marketing and email marketing to website optimisation and personalisation.
Latest News from Cumbria County Council
You can view Cumbria County Council’s newsletter from 3 March here, including:
- Prospective foster carers encouraged to attend an event during LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week 2023
- Celebrating new apprenticeship opportunities in Cumbria
- New solar farm sites in Barrow secure planning consent
Civil society minister’s brief expands further
Stuart Andrew’s brief has expanded to include gambling and lotteries, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed.
The minister for civil society and loneliness’ new responsibilities add to his current briefs of sport, tourism, youth, ceremonials (including the Coronation), events (including Eurovision) as well as arts and heritage in the House of Commons.
Podcast: How to create an environmental policy
In this podcast, Charity Digital explores the policies charities are pursuing to tackle climate change and offer inspiration for other organisations looking to start their own environmental journey.
Minister responds as MP says campaigning charities ‘bite the hand feeding them’
Civil society minister Stuart Andrew has defended charities’ right to campaign after a fellow Conservative MP accused many organisations of “straying into the political arena”.
At a Westminster Hall debate in the House of Commons recently, Craig Mackinlay said some charities that receive statutory funding “attack the government” with their political campaigning and said this was particularly true of organisations that work with refugees.
Inclusion resources for 2023
Inclusion is a hugely important topic in all organisations at the moment. Zoe Amar has rounded up the latest resources on this topic, covering everything from healing from racial trauma to resources to guide your practice and podcasts which explore inclusion from a global perspective.
MaPS Cost of Living Campaign
The recent rise in the cost-of-living has presented many of us with unexpected challenges. New research suggests that over 12 million people are now borrowing money for food or essential bills and half of them are doing so for the first time in their lives. In response to this the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) have launched a campaign to reach people who are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, which will run alongside the Government’s Help for Households.
The cost-of-living campaign aims to give people the right information quickly, directing them to trusted information partners. As part of the campaign MaPS have developed new Money Helper content, tools and guidance and to help you communicate the campaign to your customers and/or staff they have produced a number of assets for you to use including social media posts.
Is Levelling Up tackling needs?
Levelling Up is back with £2.1bn allocated to local authorities across the country to improve local areas. But who is getting the money and are those projects actually meeting the needs of the area?
In this blog, NPC, the think tank and consultancy for the social sector, explore how much total Levelling Up money each local authority has received, what the money is being spent on and whether the funding is meeting needs across the county.
Ambitious new health and care plan for North East and North Cumbria
The new Better Health and Wellbeing for All plan from our Integrated Care System (ICS) recognises the region’s health challenges from lower life expectancy to some of the highest rates of child poverty in England and sets a series of demanding targets to improve lives.
The plan has been developed by the NHS, local councils and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations who have come together as an Integrated Care Partnership for the region. Watch this short animation about the plan.
Full details about the Better Health and Wellbeing for All plan
Muslim Charities Forum
The Muslim Charities Forum aim is to support, connect and represent the Muslim Charity sector. They are reaching out to all Muslim-led initiatives in the UK, so far reaching over 450 charities/grassroots organisations and wants to continue its outreach.
They are particularly concerned with activity around the cost of living crisis, and connecting national and local organisations to work more effectively together.
Contact: Baris Varli, National Emergency & Members Engagement Coordinator: baris.varli@muslimcharitiesforum.org.uk
Opportunity to tender for development of pilot leadership programme
Lloyds Bank Foundation and Barrow Cadbury Trust have launched a tender for the development and delivery of a pilot leadership programme. The programme is specifically aimed at Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic leaders of voluntary and community organisations supporting people in, or at risk of getting caught up in, the criminal justice system.
Informed by conversations with leaders of Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic led charities, the pilot will aim to give organisations the tools to have their voices heard in the national policy debate, build personal and organisational resilience and develop networks with other criminal justice leaders.
Full details are available here
Top apps for editing videos for social media
Editing videos has never been easier. Explore the best apps for editing videos on your phone to put on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other socials.
How to speak to your communities about climate change
All charities have a vital role to engage with their communities on green issues. This Charity Digital article explains the best ways to address your communities by embracing storytelling and avoiding dread.
Building the perfect brand guidelines in 2023
In this guide, Charity Digital explains how you can build the perfect brand guidelines in five easy steps.
CEOs of large charities report soaring energy costs and fundraising obstacles
The UK’s largest 100 charities by income are facing significant increases in energy bills, with one reporting an increase of £1m a year, according to new research.
Leaders of charities including Cancer Research UK, Jewish Care, and Methodist Homes told Charity Finance magazine they faced soaring energy costs in 2021-22 and expect further increases this year due to sustained levels of inflation and reduced government support measures.
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service renamed to reflect King Charles III’s coronation
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service will now be known as the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the government has announced.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said that the change reflects King Charles III’s desire to continue the legacy of the late Queen and recognise volunteers across the country.
Latest News from Cumbria County Council
You can view Cumbria County Council’s newsletter from 24 February here, including:
- Free ‘cost-of-living’ drop in events announced for West Cumbria
- Partnership’s successful bid to drive forward Electric Vehicle charge points
DCMS shuffles civil servants but charities minister remains unconfirmed
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) shuffled its senior civil servants in February but has yet to confirm which minister holds the charities brief.
Polly Payne and Ruth Hannant were directors general for culture, sport and civil society at the department before the government’s reshuffle this month and have now been promoted to interim joint permanent secretaries.
Sector bodies urge Starmer to consult charities on election policies
Charities sector bodies have urged Keir Starmer to work with charities as he develops Labour’s policy proposals for the next general election.
The leader of the opposition said central government needed to support civil society organisations to achieve “long-term goals” as he outlined the five missions he will put at the centre of Labour’s offer to voters at the next election recently.
Charitable trusts challenged on holding grantees to higher diversity standards
Charitable trusts have been challenged on whether they hold grantees to higher standards on ethnic diversity than they do themselves.
At Fundraising Live recently, financial education charity Money4YOU’s chief executive AmickyCarol Akiwumi asked representatives from City Bridge Trust and National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) why they “feel comfortable holding their grantees to higher expectations”.
How to use AI to generate content
AI-generated content is the talk of the town. But what are the benefits for charities? And is it time to add AI to your toolkit?
Celebrating 2023’s key national moments with National Lottery Funding
Host an event or activity – National Lottery Awards for All.
“We look forward to welcoming National Lottery Awards for All applications for community activities to celebrate the King’s Coronation in May and the 75th Anniversary of Windrush in June to recognise the huge contribution the Windrush generation and their families have made to the UK.”
More information and links in our Focus on Funding update
GamCare - free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling
GamCare is a national provider of free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling, and we have received additional funding to deliver a two-year, nationwide Women’s Programme.
Research suggests that only a tiny proportion of women affected by gambling-related harm are currently reaching out for support. FREE training, resources and ongoing support is available for staff, volunteers and professionals in organisations to help them recognise and respond to signs of gambling-related harm so that more women are empowered to access treatment and support services.
For more information, contact Jennifer.Murray@gamcare.org.uk
Latest News from Cumbria County Council
You can view Cumbria County Council’s newsletter from 17 February here, including:
- Empowering the next generation: Cumbria’s young people elect their Youth Parliament Members
- Grizebeck improvement works update – drop-in session planned
- Fostering service launches drive to recruit Shared Carers
Surveys, Research, Feedback and Reports
Charity Resilience Index -How the cost-of-living crisis is affecting the sector
Charities face uncertain months ahead. The cost-of-living crisis continues to dominate the economic, political and media landscape in the UK. As Charities Aid Foundation continues to do all it can to support charities during these challenging times, and to assess the real impacts behind the headlines, it’s research team have launched the inaugural Charity Resilience Index.
Research from the Index shows that 57% of charities have seen an increase in demand for their services compared to the same time last year, whilst around half of charities surveyed are confident that they have sufficient funds to meet current demand. The result is that 50% of charities report using their reserves to cover operational costs, and more than half of charities across the UK are worried about their ability to survive. With a Charity Resilience Index score of 67%, our research shows there are real signs of vulnerability as the sector faces into the cost-of-living crisis.
Climate charities should ‘seize upon’ gains made by protest groups, says report
Charities could gain from the awareness raised by civil disobedience and direct action groups, according to a report from nfpResearch.
The report, Good Cop, Bad Cop: How environmental charities can take advantage of direct action, looks at the impact of direct action climate groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil on the environmental charity sector.
UK protest restrictions ‘delegitimising civil society action’, says report
The UK has been downgraded from “narrowed” to “obstructed” in an annual global index of civic freedoms, which says the decline in protest rights is delegitimising civil society action.
CIVICUS Monitor’s annual report, People Power Under Attack 2022, found that there has been “a significant deterioration in civic freedoms” in the UK over the past few years, notably “the right to freedom of peaceful assembly”.
Research reveals 29% of high-income charity boards are all white
The charity sector lags behind the FTSE 100 on board diversity, as 29% of charity boards are all white compared to 4% in the FTSE, according to new research.
Research conducted by Inclusive Boards looked at the UK’s largest 500 charities’ senior leadership teams and boards.
Sector Infrastructure Funding Report
Voluntary sector infrastructure bodies perform vital roles supporting and enabling voluntary and community organisations, both locally and at a national level. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation has commissioned 360Giving to produce a report exploring how voluntary sector infrastructure has changed over the last 12 years with a particular focus on finances and funding.
The report highlights a number of challenges around funding of these organisations, and hopes to provide context to grantmakers to inform future strategy development and encourage funder collaboration.
Big Give reports nearly £100m paid to charities in match funding since 2007 launch
The Big Give has given out nearly £100m in match funding to charitable organisations since 2007, its latest report reveals.
It has raised a total of £233m for charitable causes since it began 15 years ago, according to its impact report.
Charity sector staff feel their wages have not kept pace with inflation, suggests survey
The majority of people who responded to the Charity Excellence Framework report say their salaries have not kept pace with inflation.
There were 150 respondents from the sector, and they were asked to rate their responses to a number of questions.
Report provides recommendations for dismantling the patriarchy in fundraising
A blueprint to dismantle patriarchal structures in the fundraising profession, which contains 45 recommendations, has been published by Rogare think tank.
The recommendations look to bring about structural change to end sexism in fundraising, which is an “institutionally sexist” profession according to the report authors.
What will digital fundraising look like in 2023?
Charity Digital explores current sector trends by taking a look at the 2023 Charity Pulse Report by donations, fundraising, and events platform Enthuse.
Third of CEOs at largest 100 charities are women, research shows
Just over a third of CEOs leading the UK’s largest charities are women, according to a new analysis.
The Charity Chief Executives Survey 2023, published in the March issue of Charity Finance, found that 32 out of the 93 chief executives currently leading the UK’s 100 biggest charities by income are female.
Charity infrastructure bodies in ‘very fragile ecosystem’, says report
Charity sector infrastructure organisations are operating in “a very fragile ecosystem”, according to a report, with few foundations funding them.
Published recently, Sector Infrastructure Funding, explores how voluntary sector infrastructure has changed over the last 12 years, particularly by looking at its finances and funding.
Evaluation of tech for good initiatives
inFocus (the Impact and Learning partner for Catalyst) is currently conducting research into the evaluation of tech for good initiatives, which often require a specific approach to evaluation (distinct from more ‘traditional’ evaluations).
inFocus is looking to collect feedback in a short survey from anyone that has experience in evaluation in the tech for good sector e.g. anyone delivering, developing or funding a digital service or product in the charity sector that has been involved in an evaluation in this area. Catalyst want to recognise the importance of value exchange in user participation in activities across the network, so for every 12 responses they receive to the survey, they will plant 100 trees.
Participate in this 10-minute survey
How the UK’s push to reach net-zero could deliver key health benefits
The UK has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by the middle of this century. To reach this target, the independent statutory Climate Change Committee (CCC) has suggested several realistic pathways under its sixth carbon budget to reach net-zero. These encompass different levels of emphasis on technological and behavioural change.
In a new study, published in Lancet Planetary Health, they quantify the potential impacts on mortality in England and Wales of climate change mitigation actions under two of these pathways. The report focusses on a number of different aspects of life – from air pollution and transport choices to energy efficiency and diets.
The Future Charity Chair – a chance to contribute
The Association of Chairs is pleased to be involved in a new research project looking at the essential attributes that charity Chairs of the future will need to embrace. The project recognises the rapid pace of change and the need for charity leaders to evolve over the coming years to meet the challenges and opportunities.
If you want to get involved, you can find out more about the initiative, and how to register your interest here
Volunteering hits nadir despite Covid restrictions easing, DCMS figures show
The number of people volunteering in England fell further last year despite most restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 ending, according to new government figures.
According to the latest Community Life Survey, the proportion of adults volunteering either formally or informally, monthly or annually, all fell to their lowest levels since it began collecting data in 2013-14.
Salary and Organisational Culture Survey 2022
Find out how the charity sector really feels about their salaries and workplace – the 2022 Salary and Organisational Culture Survey report has officially launched.
Packed with insights into how charity comms and marketing professionals feel about their job it is a must read for anyone working in the sector. It reveals how people feel they are perceived within the sector, helps benchmark changes in salary levels and takes a look at how workplace culture has changed.
NAVCA and National Voices: Health and Wellbeing Report
The Health and Wellbeing Alliance, chaired by NAVCA and National Voices, has recently released a report, which highlights key actions policy makers, commissioners and provider organisations can take to tackle inequality and disadvantage when developing an approach with a digital component.
Where are all the charity mergers?
Following a report which found the number of charity mergers declined during the Covid-19 pandemic, Civil Society’s Harriet Whitehead looks at why this may be and what the cost-of-living crisis means for future collaborations.
Are charities doing enough to engage younger donors?
Charity Digital explores data from a new fundraising report which reveals a generation gap between those who give to charity regularly and those who donate on a one-off basis.
Charities consider permanent four-day week switch after trial ‘success’
Charities that took part in the world’s largest four-day week trial have said they are now considering making the change to working patterns permanent.
The initiative, which was piloted in the UK between June and December 2022 by 61 organisations with around 2,900 workers, published its results recently.
Other sectors want charities to ‘speak up’ in public debates, report says
Public and private sector leaders want charity chief executives to become more vocal in public debates, according to a new report by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK).
Other sector leaders want charity CEOs to “bring their unique perspective to important issues” by speaking out on topical agendas, not just “their core issue”, it said.
Disclaimer
The information above is provided in good faith. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that it is correct, Cumbria CVS cannot accept liability for any omissions or inaccuracies and does not take responsibility for the quality for any services or products mentioned.
