Charity commission offers free strategy review to 25 charities

The Charity Commission is seeking 25 volunteer charities to take part in a new project examining strategy development, implementation and review.

The project has been launched by the Charity Commission in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Each charity will receive a free consultation by experienced accountants on its policies, procedures and practices relating to strategic planning, with the collective outcome of the review providing important feedback to the Charity Commission regarding sector practices in this area.

The Charity Commission will use the project findings to inform its regulatory approach and identify gaps in the support it provides as part of its wider Review Programme on the risks and challenges facing charities in England and Wales.

Charities registered with the Charity Commission and with an annual income of less than £5 million are eligible to take part and will be selected based on geographic location and on a first come, first served basis.

Sam Younger, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission said:

"I am delighted that ICAEW are collaborating with us on this project. Good strategic planning helps trustees make sure their charity is fulfilling its objects as effectively as possible. Our case work shows that poor strategic planning can put charities at risk of serious regulatory problems. This project will give us insight into trustees' understanding of strategy. I am confident that this will help us, and the charity sector itself, provide appropriate support and advice and improve charities' performance."

http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/

(Source:  Grantfinder)

Outreach Session 26-6-2013

Do you need some funding support?  Have you got an issue around governance?  Would you like to discuss potential project ideas?  Would your organisation like a health check?

Come along at meet with PAVO Development Officers on the following dates:

·         Wednesday 26^th June 2013    Newtown                10 – 3pm      Plas Dolerw

To make an appointment please contact PAVO on 01597 822191.

People and Places success for Powys Village Hall

Congratulations to Llangynog Memorial Hall in Powys.  They have been awarded £102,949 from the Big Lottery People and Places fund.  The funding will enable them to extend the village hall to enable new community activities to be delivered. 

People and Places will fund capital and revenue projects that encourage co-ordinated action by people who want to make their communities better places to live. We will support local and regional projects throughout Wales that focus on:

• revitalising communities,  
• improving community relationships, or  
• enhancing local environments, community services and buildings. 

People and Places is open for applications in 2013 until further notice. 

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_people_places

POWYS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2013 OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS

Do you know someone who has proved an inspiration to others through their volunteering?

Is there a group or organisation that you know of that has made a real difference to the community through their volunteering activity?

Is there someone that has made an outstanding contribution over the years that you feel deserves recognition?

Why not nominate them for a Powys Volunteer Centre "Powys Volunteer of the Year" award.

Closing date for applications is Friday 28^th June 2013

For more information and a nomination form click here.

Commissioner's Fund launched

This is a small grants programme which aims to help improve local communities and the lives of the local people that reside within DyfedPowys.

The grant scheme will be funded by the proceeds of crime awarded to the police and from the sale of unclaimed found property. It will be available for DPP Officers or members of staff no higher than Sergeant level. Charities, voluntary organisations and community groups will be able apply for up to £5000 of funding via a local police officer or support staff member. The projects could, for example, educate, protect or support vulnerable groups, or aim to change the behaviour of potential or persistent offenders. Grants could pay for essentials such as educational toys, sports gear, publicity material, training, transport costs, venue hire, volunteer expenses or running costs.

Applications opened on June 3, with a deadline of June 28. Beneficiaries will be announced in August. 

The Commissioner’s Fund will not fund individuals and sole traders, profit-making organisations, statutory bodies and organisations not established in the UK.

The projects must also in some way support the objectives of the Police and Crime Plan.

Further information is available on our website: www.dyfed-powys.pcc.police.uk  

Powys Awards for All Success

8 groups in Powys have recently been successful with their Awards for All applications, bringing a total of £27,155 into Powys for projects that support the local community.  A wide variety of groups were included in this round, including a Rugby Football Club, Merched y Wawr and an Allotment Association.

Awards for All provides voluntary and community groups with a quick and easy way to get small National Lottery grants of between £500 and £5,000 for projects which aim to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need. 

The programme encourages a wide range of community, health, educational and environmental projects.

For more information got to:

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/wales/awards-for-all-wales

If you are thinking of applying to Awards for All, PAVO can look over your application before its submitted.  Contact PAVO on 01597 822191 for more information. 

Sustainable Funding course postponed

The scheduled Introduction to Sustainable Fundraising course that was due to take place on Wednesday 5th June 2013, has been postponed.  We will advertise a re-scheduled date soon - watch this space.