NCVO Launch European Network for Voluntary Organisations

A fifteen strong network of voluntary sector organisations from across Europe have joined forces with NCVO to create the European Network of National Associations (ENNA).

The ENNA project, spearheaded by NCVO and involving organisations from countries such as Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Portugal and Scotland, will bring together voluntary and community bodies from throughout Europe in order to engage in discussion about the current economic climate.  It is hoped the network will also serve to promote the sharing of best practice on capacity-building for the third sector, develop recession-beating tactics and resources and establish a European Charter, similar to the UK Compact.

Stuart Etherington, CEO of NCVO, commented:

“This is a momentous occasion and I am proud that so many countries are represented and we look forward to more joining. It is a critical time for the voluntary sector across Europe which makes it all the more crucial that we have come together to share experiences and look for ways to deliver far reaching benefits to communities across the Union”.

For further information, visit NCVO: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/.

Source: NCVO, 23/07/09

Modernisation Fund Meets Growing Sector Need

Non-departmental government body Capacitybuilders has announced that up to 500 third sector organisations have received cash injections from the Real Help for Communities Modernisation Fund, despite it only being open a matter of months.

The programme, intended to encourage third sector groups to explore the possibilities of merging and collaborating with other organisations in order to combat the effects of the recession, has proved very popular, particularly with those involved in frontline services now in high demand because of the current economic climate.

Matt Leach, Capacitybuilders’ Chief Executive said:

“We are seeing a particularly high level of interest from smaller organisations working in community cohesion, debt and other advice, and family and mental health support services, reflecting the increased demand from communities for this sort of help as a result of the recession”.

Third Sector Minister, Angela Smith, praised the warm response to the programme and the sector’s attitude to change:

“I…pay tribute to the third sector organisations that have the vision to consider modernisation so that they can do more for the people who need their help”.

The current funding round will remain open until 17 July and it is anticipated that successful applicants will be able to bid for an additional grant of £10,000 to develop merger and partnership working plans further in the Autumn.

For further information visit: http://www.modernisationfund.org.uk/