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NEWSLETTER AND UPDATE 56 – 10 JUNE 2022

Jun 10, 2022

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Newsletter and Update No.56 – 10 June 2022

 

Cath Witherington, CEO Introduction

Cath WitheringtonWelcome to our latest newsletter.   There is so much happening at the moment it’s good to be able to take a few moments to reflect on the past two weeks!  

Just before the Jubilee weekend the VAD Team was making the final preparation for our first face to face event – our AGM and Summer Fayre.  As it was our first event there were a few learning points along the way but we were all delighted that overall it was a huge success!  You may have seen some snippets in social media but we are working on a special Summer Fayre edition of Diverse Doncaster that will provide more details so look out for that later this month.

Then of course there was a whole raft of activities and celebrations in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  After many years of speculation the mystery of what the Queen carries in her handbag was revealed – a marmalade sandwich!  I for one would never have guessed that in a million years!!!!  On a more serious note I was particularly delighted to hear that PFG and B:friend were both deserving recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Such a great accolade and recognition of the fantastic work of our local volunteers.  Congratulations to all involved!  I would also like to congratulate Rupert Suckling, our Director of Public health on his MBE for guiding Doncaster through the coronavirus pandemic.  Again, I think this is well deserved recognition of the wider team effort of everyone who has pulled together to support the people of Doncaster over the past few years.  Awards and honours recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements. There are always fewer honours than people who deserve them, to receive a nomination is an achievement regardless of the outcome.

We know that times are tough, and that we are currently facing a major cost of living crisis now.  But yet it’s in times of adversity that our sector shines so I would like to see many more of our shining stars recognised next time as well.   If you know of a group that is led by volunteers and provides a benefit for local communities in Doncaster that you feel deserves Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognition please do nominate them for the 2023 Awards.  The closing date for nomination is 15th September 2022.  

If you know of someone who deserves recognition for outstanding achievements, someone who has changed things especially by solid, practical achievement; or whose work has brought distinction to British life or enhanced community or Doncaster’s reputation and that their contribution stands out from other people’s, please consider nominating them for an honour.  Details of how to do this are available on the Government’s website

Of course the first week of June is Volunteers’ Week.  A reminder to us all to take the time to say thank you to all the volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to improve the lives of their friends and neighbours.  I would like to send a slightly belated thanks to all our trustees, fundraisers, peer support and befrienders, and volunteers in a myriad of other roles – thank you all for making our communities a happier place to be.

 

 

Reports and Information

 

Unrestricted Funding Option For Doncaster Organisations

Voluntary Action Doncaster is now working in partnership with fundraising website easyfundraising because we think organisations in our region can really benefit from using it to receive unrestricted funding.

How does it work?

Easyfundraising turns online shopping into funds for your voluntary group, charity or

third sector organisation. When anyone connected to your organisation (your

volunteers, staff, trustees, supporters, donors) shops online, every purchase they

make results in a free monetary donation for your organisation. It’s as simple as that.

Over 6,800 online retailers are involved, including Amazon, Sainsbury’s, eBay,

Boots, Tesco, B&Q, Argos, John Lewis, M&S, Trainline, Just Eat, and many more.

How to get started

To take advantage of this opportunity to receive additional funding, simply create an

easyfundraising page for your organisation here. It’s completely free and only takes

a couple of minutes. easyfundraising will give you lots of support to help you get up and running and raising as much as possible. You can even have a free 1-2-1 call with one of the team for a demo of the site, advice and fundraising. If you have any questions, you can get in touch with our contact at easyfundraising,

becky@easyfundraising.org.uk 

 

Third Sector Trends in North Yorkshire and Humber England 2022

This long-term study on voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises, cooperatives, societies and clubs (the ‘third sector’ or ‘VCSE’ sector) started in 2010. A lot has happened in Yorkshire and Humber since we last did the survey in 2019. So it’s time to find out what has changed in the last three years.

Whether your organisation or group is big or small, flourishing, struggling or going on as normal, we need to hear from you. It’s interesting, easy to do, and only takes about 10 minutes. You can do it on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC.

If you’re ready to start the survey, click this link: Join the Third Sector Trends survey here 

We build a picture of how organisations and groups work and what they achieve. This helps funding organisations decide how to invest in organisations like yours. All answers are securely stored completely anonymously.  

If you want to know more about the study, contact Professor Tony Chapman, St Chad’s College, Durham University, 18 North Bailey, Durham DH1 3RH, tony.chapman@durham.ac.uk 

 

Amplifying your voice

The NCVO plays a key role in influencing decision making to ensure voluntary organisations have what they need to make a difference in their communities. Your voice is important, and they’d love to hear from you.

Have your say this month:

NCVO wants to hear how rising costs are impacting your charity in order to advocate to the government and provide support to the sector. Share in this survey before 24 June.

The Procurement Bill was published on 11 May and is currently passing through Parliament. You can read the Bill and track its progress here. NCVO will be working to influence the Bill so that it improves charities’ ability to deliver public services. Get in touch if you have thoughts or ideas about the Bill at policy@ncvo.org.uk 

 

 

Events

 

‘Investing for Growth (IfG) Let’s Grow Roadshow’ Event 

Go, go, go! Secure your FREE place at one of Key Funds forthcoming ‘Investing for Growth (IfG) Let’s Grow Roadshow’ events taking place this coming June and July in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster and led by our very own Investment Manager Rachel Veitch-Straw. 

So what can you expect? 

  • Expect FREE expert business and growth support 
  • Expect inspiring stories and case studies from fellow social entrepreneurs
  • Expect information on the IfG fund, eligibility and how a grant could be used by your organisation
  • Expect the opportunity to talk through your own ambitions and business challenges with fellow social entrepreneurs in a safe and friendly environment
  • Expect top tips on kick starting your IfG grant application
  • Expect coffee, tea, biscuits…and even a free lunch! 

Secure your place at one of the four events in either Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster on  eventbrite

For further information regarding the IfG fund please contact Rachel Veitch-Straw on 07975 655 218 or email rachel.veitch-straw@thekeyfund.co.uk 

 

Migration Yorkshire is hosting a VCS Engagement Day on 7 July

Migration Yorkshire is delighted to be able to host the VCS Engagement Day 2022 at The Studio, Leeds, Riverside West, Whitehall Road, Leeds LS1 4AW on 7th July 2022.

You can book online here

The day will focus on sharing information, horizon scanning and focussing on future planning. We will look at the latest situation with Ukraine, Afghan resettlement, UASCs and asylum, share data and statistics, and have plenty of time to network and catch up with each other. A full programme will be shared closer to the time.

For more information please contact: Vicky Ledwidge, Integration & Partnerships Officer at Migration Yorkshire Victoria.Ledwidge@migrationyorkshire.org.uk 

 

 

Training Opportunities

 

Free Resources for Refugees 

The Open University has some free English Language courses on Open Learn 

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/society-politics-law/resources-refugees

 

Support for refugees

Northern College, has everything needed to help refugees settle and thrive in the UK. From our community of students, teachers, and support staff to our perfect setting in acres of national trust gardens.

We have a range of short courses running throughout the summer that will help adults to build confidence, learn some new skills, and meet other people from similar backgrounds.

View our 2022 course leaflet by clicking this link: 2022 Course Leaflet 

Adults aged 19 and over can stay overnight in our onsite accommodation, giving them the opportunity to focus on their studies, build relationships with others and make the most of our wonderful surroundings.

All Community Learning funded courses are free for refugees.

Northern College offers free online and on-campus open events and tours which aim to answer all your questions about Northern College, South Yorkshire. Our events are updated regularly on the website, Find out more Call: 01226 776000 Email: advice@northern.ac.uk

 

Introduction to fundraising (virtual classroom)

This interactive virtual training session explores how to find funders and present your project in the best way possible for a strong application.

How does it work?

  • The session will use Zoom to create a virtual classroom, where presentations and group interactive exercises will take place, just like they do in a traditional classroom
  • There is time scheduled for breaks.

This session will help you:

  • Learn about sources of charitable funding
  • Find out how to identify which sources of funding your project is likely to appeal to and why
  • Gain experience of what potential donors need to know about your project in a written format
  • Learn how to present your project to a potential funder.

This session is aimed at those new to fundraising.

Date: Wednesday 13th July 2022

Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Level: Beginner

Cost: £40.00 per person 

Statutory Body/Individual Consultants: £80.00 per person 

Venue: Zoom Virtual Classroom

Details of how to join the meeting will be emailed out the day before the training session to the email provided upon booking.

You must book a place through our website. Please register with the email address you would like the Zoom invitation sent to.

*Places on the session are limited; we will open up further dates if there is the demand. To register your interest in future sessions please contact bianca@syfab.org.uk

 Click here for full event details 

 

 

Funding Opportunities

 

DMBC Funding Newsletter

Here is the link to the latest major funding opportunities.  For further information on anything in this funding newsletter or to receive further advice and guidance for your specific project or application, please contact the team  by email – programmeenquiries@doncaster.gov.uk 

 

Active Fusion – Opportunity To Tender

Active Fusion is in the process of refreshing its external provider pool. We are looking to work with providers who have experience of working with children and young people who can provide sports, creative arts and food & nutritional workshops or sessions. Further information is included in our brief attached

We are asking for proposals to be submitted by Friday 17th June. Active Fusion – Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form can be found here.

Tender submissions should be emailed to: recruitment@activefusion.org.uk 

All enquiries regarding this commission and proposals process should be directed to 

Tom Foy, by email (as above) or on 07432 239617.

 

Social Enterprise Exchange (SEE)

SEE programme is open for grant applications. Social enterprises in South Yorkshire or north Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire can sign up to the scheme to access support and expertise. In a change, it will accept groups that aren’t incorporated (a company) onto the scheme.

Groups on the scheme can apply for grants up to £5,000. The deadline for applications is 18th July 2022.

Register on the scheme here

Information on grants available here

 

Veolia Environmental Trust

Grants of £10,000 – £75,000 are available for capital improvement projects in one of the following categories: 

  • community buildings and rooms: e.g. community centres, village halls, community spaces within religious buildings, Scout or Girl guiding buildings 
  • outdoor spaces: e.g. public parks, nature reserves, community gardens, footpaths, bridleways or cycle-paths 
  • play and recreation: e.g. play areas, skate parks, Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs), sports grounds, pavilions or changing rooms. 

Projects must be open to the general public for at least 104 days a year and have a total cost of under £250,000. You must have already secured at least 20% of the total cost. 

Grants must go to work close to Veolia operations. Currently, only parts of South Yorkshire are eligible. There is a postcode checker to check if you are eligible here.

Deadline is noon on 7th July 2022. Full details here

 

Business and Financial Support for Black and Minoritised Communities

The Enterprise Development Programme is a five-year, £40 million initiative which charities, voluntary sector organisations, and social enterprises led by and working with Black and Minoritised communities to grow financial resilience and impact by providing a mix of grant and learning support to help get enterprise ideas off the ground.

Applicants who are accepted onto the programme will work collaboratively with Ubele Initiative, a programme partner, to determine what they need to progress their ideas and build the resilience of their organisation.

There is a two-stage application process. There are three opportunities to submit a stage one application in 2022.

For more information click here

The first deadline for Stage 1 applications is 13th June, 2022 (12 noon).

 

 

Volunteering Opportunities

Please see what current volunteering opportunities are available on our website.  

 

 

Job Opportunities

Please see this week’s Advance Vacancy Bulletin  with a range of roles based within Doncaster.

 

 

Contribute to our Next Newsletter!

If you have an article, job opportunity or funding opportunity you would like to see included in the next edition of this newsletter, please send it to us at info@voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk by 1pm on Wednesday 22nd June 2022.

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please call on 01302 965459
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be careful, be responsible, be safe

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