Cabinet Office Announces Funding for European Year of Volunteering

A number of small scale contracts and grants have been made available to support initiatives promoting the 2011 European Year of Volunteering in England.

The purpose of this dedicated year is to support member states and their voluntary sector organisations to facilitate the development of volunteering across England.

The Office for Civil Society (OCS) has identified national priorities relevant to the Big Society ideals and is seeking organisations to deliver initiatives supporting these ideals:

• Enabling people to contribute to their local communities and relieve social problems through volunteering.
• Encouraging employer supported volunteering (ESV) programmes through information sharing between the public, private and civil society sectors.
• Sharing best practice in relation to volunteer management.
• Expanding volunteering opportunities to include those not traditionally engaged in volunteering.

Three contracting opportunities are available:

• Employer Supported Volunteering Lead

This contract is available for organisations which can promote and develop good practice within the private, public and voluntary and community sector in relation to effective employer supported volunteering (ESV) programmes.

• Volunteer Management Lead

This contract is available for organisations which can develop and share good practice relating to effective volunteer management.

• Opening the Door to Volunteering Lead

This contract is available for organisations to promote volunteering to groups not traditionally engaged in volunteering activities, particularly those from socially excluded groups.

Additionally a number of grants will be made available to five organisations, or consortia of organisations to deliver projects addressing five themes:

• Young people and children – March and April 
• Environment – May and June
• Sport – July and August
• Culture and the arts – September and October
• Health and social care – November and December

A further grant will be made available to one organisation to diffuse the learning which will emerge from the supported activities. This organisation will work with lead organisations to identify key points and share them with OCS, across government and the voluntary and community sector.

For further information on these opportunities please email eyv2011@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk stating which opportunity is being enquired about.

Cabinet Office, 10/01/2011

Get Grant Ready – Funding for Beginners Course in Northampton

IDOX are pleased to announce that they will be holding a Funding for Beginners open course at the University of Northampton on Wednesday, 9 February.

 Designed specifically for people who are new to funding in the voluntary and community sector, this practical one-day course aims to provide the tools necessary to discover and understand the various sources of funding and how to write winning applications to maximise your organisation’s chance of grants success.

The course is ideal for anyone who has been thrown into funding at the deep end. It will enhance, develop and equip you with the skills needed to confidently research and apply for funding.

The course covers many of the basic elements needed to help you on the road to writing a successful bid, including:

•  Identifying different sources of funding.
• Tips on writing a good application.
• What funders are looking for.
• Common reasons why applications tend to fail.

The course fee is £135 + VAT per person, which includes lunch and light refreshments during the day and covers the costs of course material.

 To request a booking form, contact the Idox Training Department on: Tel: (01909) 501200 or e-mail: training@idoxgroup.com

Cabinet Office Publishes Giving Green Paper

The Giving Green Paper is intended to stimulate debate a national discussion to encourage philanthropic giving.

The paper will help the Government to develop efficient and effective ways of help large companies to support charities and develop its role as a facilitator of philanthropy.

The paper proposes:

• A £50 million Community First Fund for investment in local savings schemes paying out into deprived communities with donations matched by Government.

• A £10 million Volunteer Match Fund maximising the benefits of private donations.

• Technological advances to facilitate giving, e.g. donations through cash machines and when paying by card.

• Establishing means for reciprocal giving, e.g. an online community forum where members can exchange time.

• A review of the relationship between giving and incentives.

• Increased support for charitable giving in schools.

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said:

“Big Society is about creating a country in which people are in control. People giving time, money, assets, skills and knowledge all drive social action and help make life better for all. This Green Paper offers practical common sense ways we can boost charitable giving. And it’s just the start. We think government can also have a new role, bringing people together to find new ways to support charitable and voluntary action and highlighting the excellent work that is happening already.

“We are arguing for new social attitudes that celebrate giving. Talking about what we do for good causes is often seen as vulgar. But sharing experiences can inspire others. Giving is too often caricaturised as worthy and selfless, a one way street, but there’s nothing wrong with doing things for each other and repaying kindnesses. If we can agree as a society the values that underpin helping each other we can unlock huge potential for a stronger, bigger society.”

The consultation closes on 09 March 2011. Responses can be made to giving@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk.

To read the full document please click here (opens in new window).

Cabinet Office, 04/01/2011