Hello Helen,

The work you do matters to the people and communities you support. We want to make sure that contribution is recognised and that local voices help shape the decisions affecting their lives.

At Labour Party Conference, we led discussions on how civil society can help build stronger communities and give people a greater say. We’d like to share some highlights with you.

We also celebrate Kate Lee’s first year as NCVO’s Chief Executive Officer and share opportunities to help your organisation access essential funding and connect with others across the sector.

Putting civil society on the agenda at Labour Party Conference

Together with More in Common UK, we hosted a fringe event on how government and charities can build trust, tackle division and give communities a stronger voice.

More in Common shared new polling on how connected people feel to their local communities. Fellow panellist Jess Phillips MP echoed our call for more stable, longer-term funding for charities.

We also joined Future Governance Forum’s panel exploring how devolution could give local people more say and why civil society needs to be part of local decision-making.

Partner promotion: Funding opportunity - apply for a £1,000 unrestricted grant

The easyfundraising Impact Fund is back for a second round, with 15 unrestricted grants of £1,000 to UK not-for-profit organisations. The grants have doubled in value from the first round, increasing from £500 to £1,000.

Unrestricted funding gives you the flexibility to spend the money where it's needed most, whether that's covering core costs, delivering services, buying equipment or investing in your organisation's future.

Who can apply?

The fund is open to UK-based registered charities, other not-for-profit organisations, sports clubs, schools, Community Interest Companies (CICs), social enterprises, youth groups and churches. If you applied in the first round, you're welcome to apply again, whether your application was successful or not.

The application process is quick and straightforward. Simply explain how your organisation would use the £1,000 and the difference it would make. Grants will be awarded to the organisations that best demonstrate the impact the funding could have.

Applications close on Sunday 8 November.

Important sector updates

Making the case for civil society with the new minister

NCVO met with the new Minister for Civil Society, Vicky Foxcroft MP, to raise members’ concerns about safety, the freedom to campaign and sustainable funding.

Following the meeting, the Minister said: “Civil society plays a vital role in strengthening communities and delivering essential services, and I look forward to working constructively with the sector to ensure its voice is heard.”

We welcome that commitment and will continue to make the case for the changes our members need.

New partnership to improve sharing of data, research and learning

NCVO is joining NICVA, The Wheel, SCVO and WCVA in InsightLink, a new partnership to improve how voluntary organisations across the UK and Ireland share data, research and learning. 

By building a clearer picture of the sector’s work, we can strengthen the case for change.

Upcoming events for your organisation

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