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/

Brennan’s challenge to Third Sector

Last week saw Third Sector Minister, Kevin Brennan, issue a challenge to the Third Sector.

 

Speaking about public services, Brennan called for the Third Sector to lead the way in this area in order to ensure excellence and fairness and bring communities closer together.

 

This announcement accompanies the release of a series of documents detailing how the government intends to work more effectively in partnership with charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises, in order to make the UK’s public services truly fit for 21^st century challenges.

 

So, are these proposals a good thing for the sector? Undoubtedly, more opportunity to strengthen communities and become involved with the development of vital services is a good thing for Third Sector groups.  But is there the possibility that by committing themselves to public services contracts, charities, voluntary and community groups and social enterprises could become agents of the state – possibly neglecting their own specialist areas for the sake of securing a lucrative contract? 

 

For further information about the documents released and the Third Sector’s developing public services role, visit:

 

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/news/news_releases/081211_challenges.aspx

 

Source: Cabinet Office

24.09.08 (2)

It takes two…

 

According to a new publication, A Practical Guide to Working with Partnerships, produced by the Nottingham Council for Voluntary Service and N2 Consulting, small and medium-sized voluntary organisations should join forces in order to improve their chances of securing more funding. 

 

The guide, which discusses exactly how to create successful working partnerships, suggests that grant-makers are often reluctant to give money to a range of smallish groups that seem to be working in the same vein, as they don’t wish to duplicate their funding causes.

 

The solution?  Team up with other groups that have similar aims and objectives and put on a united front no funder will be able to refuse!

 

Source: Third Sector