Back in 2018 we funded a Supporting Communities team working with Neath Port Talbot CVS and Interlink RCT to offer development support to fund applicants and grant recipients for 5 years.
As that period ended, we assessed what fund communities need to benefit from the fund and are thrilled to announce that we have also now added in support from Cranfield Trust for fund communities. With £64,000 in funding from Pen y Cymoedd they will deliver the ‘Stronger Charities, Stronger Communities’ project over the next 3 years.
Cranfield Trust is an independent, registered charity and a leading provider of pro bono management support to welfare charities and voluntary sector organisations throughout the UK. The Trust has recently been shortlisted as Small Charity of the Year 2023 (income under £1million) in the Charity Times Awards for the pro bono organisational and management support it provides to small charities through its network of skilled volunteers, helping charity leaders to manage their resources and services effectively to address some of the most pressing social problems.”
The funding will support staff to directly work with 21 charities in the fund area to
- provide intensive 1:1 support to voluntary and community organisations and their leaders through Consultancy, Mentoring and On Call (telephone support). This will enable organisations and leaders to address immediate or strategic management challenges and work towards more sustainable futures in their field of work.
- enable a connected network of support: they will work with others who support the voluntary sector to create a network of connected support and a range of support services to meet organisations’ needs, at different levels and in different ways.
Amanda Tincknell CBE, Cranfield Trust CEO said, “We are delighted to join the Stronger Charities, Stronger Communities project to provide vital support to local charity leaders and organisations in the Pen y Cymoedd area at a time when we know they are facing increasing demands and challenges as a direct result of the cost of living crisis. Through our network of highly experienced and skilled volunteers, we will provide tailored consultancy, telephone advice and mentoring to equip charity leaders with the skills and the confidence they need to navigate the current crisis. We will also work with charity leaders to help them develop their organisations and teams, so they can build their capacity to support people and communities in the longer term.”
Neath Port Talbot CVS will continue to employ 2 skilled staff to work alongside Community Fund staff with funding of £64,000 and in partnership with local leaders and communities to ensure that the Fund brings about positive and long-lasting changes. The Supporting Communities Team will provide hands-on support and introductions to further specialist services when needed. The Team will also bring groups together across traditional boundaries, identifying and promoting opportunities to plan and work together. Building on local strengths and assets, communities will be supported to develop and deliver projects, programmes and enterprises that address local issues – sharing skills, knowledge and experiences.