Practical support bulletin: September 2023

Supporting small charities and voluntary organisations to make a bigger difference is a vital part of our work.

We’re continuing the legacy of the Small Charities Coalition (SCC) and the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) through our four pillars of support.

Other organisations offering support

• The Small Charity Friendly Collective is an informal group of specialists with a shared dedication to small charities. All members were previously part of the Small Charities Coalition family.
• The Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN) connects, strengthens and champions small international development charities.

Apply for the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund

Small community organisations running critical services can apply for the government’s new Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund.

Organisations can apply for funding between £10,000 and £75,000. The deadline for applications is midday on 16 October 2023.

Watch our webinar below to get an overview of the fund, and learn more about who can apply and what the funding can cover.

Get a free utility bill audit from Utility Aid

There are many reasons you could be being overcharged for utilities. Consecutive estimates, incorrect VAT and tariffs are all common errors.

NCVO members can request a free utility bill audit from our trusted supplier Utility Aid.

Utility Aid will review your current contracts and make detailed recommendations based on your actual energy consumption.

Contact Utility Aid to request a bill audit.

Financial management

• The Charity Commission has shared updated trustee investment guidance. This includes example approaches, an overview of social investment and what to include in investment policies.
• Embrace Finance has compiled a comprehensive list of useful finance resources for small charities.
• Good Finance has put together a guide to social investment for charities. This includes a tool to help you decide if social investment is right for your organisation.

Funding and income

• Lime Green Consulting has shared useful advice on how to get the most out of working with a fundraising consultant.

Employing and managing staff

• Our trusted supplier Roots HR CIC is offering a 10% discount on all salary benchmarking services until the end of September. Email Roots HR CIC for more information.

Digital and technology

• NCSC’s Funded Cyber Essentials Programme is aimed at small organisations offering legal aid or supporting victims of domestic abuse. It can help you to put security controls in place and prevent common cyber attacks.
• Good Things Foundation’s National Digital Inclusion Network offers a range of free services to help community organisations tackle digital exclusion. These include:
  • free data packages via the National Databank
  • free devices via the National Device Bank
  • training, resources, networking and grant funding opportunities.

Free webinars

Upcoming training courses

Browse our upcoming training courses. Smaller organisations pay less for training and NCVO members receive a 30% discount.