Monday 31 October 2011

Nominet Trust £250k Challenge

Launched this week, the Nominet Trust £250k Challenge is supporting digital entrepreneurs over the age of 55 who have a viable idea for an internet start-up project which tackles the social problems afflicting senior citizens, and helps older people access the internet.
The programme was launched following research showing there is an urgent need for more web-based solutions designed for older people, by older people - as senior citizens are more likely to seek support from their peers than from younger age groups.
Grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 may be awarded towards projects costing up to £250,000 in total.
The money can be used to fund projects that:
  • use the internet to address specific social problems that older people encounter;
  • design new and better ways for older people to access and use the internet; and
  • develop and use technologies familiar to older people that may have internet functionality, such as projects that use IPTV or internet radio.
Anyone in the UK who is over the age of 55 with a good idea for an internet start-up which uses the web to address specific social problems facing older people may apply. The applicant may be operating as a business, charity, community interest company, working at a university or within the public sector.
The deadline for first stage applications is 1 February 2012. Those shortlisted must submit their full applications by 1 March 2012.

For more information go to:

Source:  Grantfinder

Thursday 27 October 2011

Grimple's Green Grants Scheme Doubles Funding for New Round


Through the Grimple's Green Grants Scheme, the Green Insurance Company wishes to encourage 'green behaviour' and is looking for individuals and organisations to get involved in their community and surrounding natural environment. The company is looking for environmentally-friendly green projects across the United Kingdom that it can fund and support.
This year there is an overall budget of £40,000 available for distribution. Individual grants of up to £2,000, plus a special one off grant of up to £10,000, will be allocated to fund a variety of initiatives. Ideas include anything from creating a community garden to reducing food miles by growing vegetables or establishing a wildlife garden to encourage biodiversity back into gardens.
Those in urban areas might wish to develop a project to increase awareness of environmental issues and educate the younger generation so that they develop good habits early. The scheme could also be used to fund energy efficiency improvements in energy inefficient buildings where community meetings take place.
Individuals and non-profit organisations in the UK, undertaking projects with a clear green element are eligible to apply to this scheme.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 30 November 2011.
http://www.greeninsurancegiving.co.uk/

(Source:  Grantfinder)

Friday 21 October 2011

Trading and Social Enterprise

Sustainable funding is a hot topic at the moment.  Earning an additional stream of income through trading is one method that may be suitable for your organisation.  Social Enterprise and trading is growing rapidly at the moment.  If your group is interested in trading, get in touch with PAVO.  We are setting up a ‘virtual group’ for interested organisations, so that you can be kept up to date of all the latest developments and support.  We are also working closely with Wales Co-operative Centre, to ensure Powys groups are supported.  The virtual group will also feed into a Powys network that is due to be set up in Spring 2012.
Wales Co-operative Centre will also be attending the PAVO AGM on Tuesday 1st November, and will be making a presentation at 1.40pm. 

Please contact Claire Sterry on 01597 822191 or e-mail claire.sterry@pavo.org.uk if you wish to be involved.   

Wednesday 19 October 2011

COMMUNITY BUSINESS LOAN FUND


The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has launched the Community Business Loan Fund (CBLF) to help potential and existing social entrepreneurs who are unable to access finance through normal mainstream channels.
The £5 million Fund offers financial support for the purpose of starting or expanding a community-based business. RBS expects to support in the region of 1,000 businesses through the scheme.
Eligible businesses can apply for loans of between £30,000 and £500,000. Community Development Finance Institutions, which allocate funds to other firms, may apply for loans of between £200,000 and £1 million.
The loans can be tailored to the applicant's individual requirements and are offered on flexible terms.
Charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and community interest companies operating in the United Kingdom may apply. To be eligible for funding, the organisation must have clear social or environmental objectives and reinvest profits for a social purpose.
Applications may be submitted at any time.
Go to:  http://www.rbs.co.uk/

Friday 14 October 2011

Ystradgynlais Outreach - 20th October 2011 - POSTPONED

The Ystradgynlais Outreach session planned for 20th October 2011, has been postponed.  A new date will be re-arranged for November 2011.  Watch this space for more details.

Calling all Independent Youth Groups - Funding Opportunity!

CYNGOR SIR POWYS COUNTY COUNCIL
Community Regeneration and Development Fund
This fund is only available to independent voluntary youth groups 
You can use this money for whatever you want BUT the application MUST be in by the 30th Oct

There’s up to £400 for revenue this could be rent, insurance, trips, staff cost etc.

or up to £500 for capital this could be equipment for the club 
                                      

Contact:
Jenni Thomas, Community Grants Officer,
Powys County Council on 01597 826000
            

Thursday 13 October 2011

Ystradgynlais Outreach - 20th October 2011

Is your group based in the Ystradgynlais area?  We are holding an outreach session in conjunction with Communities First Ystradgynlais, on Thursday 20th October 2011.  We will be available for support around any of the following:

  • Can Do ‘Ideas into Reality’ Fund
  • Undertaking a health check of your organisation
  • Running your organisation, including trustee and governance, group structures
  • Finding funding
  • Making funding applications
  • Thinking about sustainable funding?
  • Thinking about social enterprise?
For more information or to book call PAVO on 0845 0093288.

Kellogg's Swim Active Programme


The Kellogg's Swim Active Programme offers grants to not for profit organisations to help the development of innovative projects that encourage any aquatic activity which enhances motivation, removes barriers and increases participation in swimming.
The objectives of the programme are to:
  • Enhance the motivation to swim.
  • Remove the barriers to swimming.
  • Increase the participation in swimming.
Applicants must be from a bona fide non profit making organisation, which includes:
  • Swimming clubs.
  • Schools.
  • Pool operators.
  • Community organisations.
  • Social enterprises.
Projects can be revenue based, capital based or a mix of both.
The Fund has no minimum or maximum limit, although it is not an unlimited financial resource.
It is preferred if organisations think about whether their application can include an element of partnership funding in cash or in kind. This is not essential, but is seen as a useful indication that others support the idea and are prepared to back it.
The closing date for applications is 1 December 2011.
http://www.swimming.org/

(Source: Grant-finder)

Tuesday 11 October 2011

CAN DO IDEAS INTO REALITY -

Interest in this scheme is really beginning to hot up - once the money is gone, it's gone, so take advantage of it as soon as possible.
Groups undergoing the funding health check have found it to be a useful process, and not at all daunting.  It can also be done over the phone.
So here is the information you need to know:


Up to £2000 will be available for groups supporting identified local need and activity, for small scale capital projects, that will make a big impact.

Groups wishing to apply will go through a funding health check with a PAVO Development Officer. This useful tool, enables us to ensure your group is eligible, reducing the volume of paperwork that usually accompanies an application.
Groups will be expected to find match funding of 33%, e.g:
Application to fund for £2000
Match from group £660
Total Project Costs £2660

Projects should fit one of the following criteria:
  • Creating or refurbishing facilities available to the community as a whole or adapting them to ensure equal access to disabled people as required under the Equality Act 2010.
  • Acting to improve the built or natural environment for local people
  • Improving the well-being of the community by encouraging activities and healthy life styles
  • Providing facilities or activities which reduce poverty, inequality, discrimination and social disadvantage
  • Encouraging training that targets vulnerable or excluded people
  • Stimulating community businesses and social enterprise
  • Assisting the promotion of job opportunities and increased incomes
  • Involving people of all ages and abilities in the community and addressing the needs of socially excluded groups
  • Strengthening the cultural and linguistic identity of the community
For more information:
Go to: www.pavo.org.uk
PAVO Help desk: 0845 009 3288
e-mail: info@pavo.org.uk

New trading guide launched for third sector


WCVA is pleased to announce the launch of its new trading guide for third sector groups.
Titled It's an idea, but is it a business? is essential for organisation who plan to, or already do, raise a proportion of their income through trading. It takes you through the process step-by-step, and offers guidance on business planning, governance, support and managing growth. It's indispensable for those setting out in business, or those seeking a little extra insight.

It's available free to download:

Friday 7 October 2011

Bright New Futures - Opportunity - update

Bright New Futures

Under the Bright New Futures programme, the Big Lottery are making £12 million available for projects across Wales, working with young parents and/or young disabled people aged 14-25.

The programme will fund between £200,000 and £1 million for projects running between three and five years that seek to achieve the following outcomes:
·         Young parents and/or young disabled people are less isolated and have increased wellbeing through improved social networks and stronger relationships
·         Better services are delivered which are joined up and are tailored to meet the individual needs of young parents and/or young disabled people
·         Young parents and/or young disabled people have increased confidence and skills to successfully manage transitions and lead full and active lives
·         Learning from the programme is used to inform future policy, practice and services for young people in transition.

PAVO has registered an interest to bid with the Big Lottery.  We would like to facilitate a partnership bid with third sector organisations delivering services which support the two target groups e.g. young parents and young disabled people. This bid will be aligned to the developments within the Children & Young People’s Partnership. Please register your interest with PAVO to take part in the bid; contact the PAVO Helpdesk on 0845 009 3288 or email info@pavo.org.uk

New Code of Fundraising Practice Launched


The Handling of Cash and Other Financial Donations Code of Fundraising Practice has been launched today. The Code contains general guidance which applies to the handling of many different types of donation and is a crucial addition to fundraisers’ best practice procedure.
The Code is intended to raise awareness of the areas fundraising organisations need to consider when handling donations; organisations ought to use the Code to guide them in producing their own procedures and requirements.
The Code states that donation handling guidance is important for three major reasons. These are to protect the organisation from fraud, theft or embezzlement; protect staff or volunteers from accusations of dishonesty or the temptation to commit fraud, and to assure donors that their donations and gifts are used for the purpose for which they were given.
The Code is comprehensive guidance which includes detail around the use of debit cards, tax-effective giving and processing donations using tills; as well as handling cash and accepting donations by cheque. It replaces the existing Handling of Cash Donations Code of Fundraising Practice.
Sarah Tirrell, Policy and Codes of Practice Manager at the Institute of Fundraising, comments:
“As fundraisers, we know that donations don’t begin and end with cash, although this remains an important means by which people give to charity. The IoF’s recent campaign to ‘save our cheque’ illustrates the importance of the diverse donation methods which exist; and this new Code also shows the variety of ways in which donors now support charity. We’re keen to ensure our guidance continues to follow giving trends as closely as possible.”
(Source:  Institute of Fundraising)