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Consultancy services for the charity and not for profit sector. Strategy Development, fundraising, governance, collaborations and partnerships.
Stay up to date with developments in the sector and our latest thinking on issues affecting charities and social enterprises.
For over a decade we have been supporting voluntary sector infrastructure charities to reinvent themselves as public sector funding has declined. In the last 12 months they have proved themselves invaluable to statutory authorities struggling to cope with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Could this signal a renaissance for these much neglected charities?
Read MoreOut of necessity charities have been forced to experiment with online fundraising events over the last year, with decidedly mixed results. What makes for a good virtual fundraising event?
Read MoreFollowing on from our previous blog on how the charity grant funding market is responding to Covid-19, the Association of Charitable Foundations has published a report based on a survey of its members, which reveals some interesting insights into how grant making is likely to change in the short and medium term.
Read MoreThe OR Society is running a series of webinars to explain how their pro-bono works and how operational research can help the third sector through post-COVID-19 recovery.
Read MoreThere are many myths about what charity reserves are for and how much should be held in reserves. In this article we offer our view on a question which, in the face of a pandemic, has probably never been more important.
Read MoreFollowing the Government’s announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown, this article explores what fundraising might look like in the new normal.
Read MoreA really common issue we encounter when supporting small and medium sized charities with their governance is that many have old, often antiquated, governing documents. This brief articles explores why it’s important to review your governing document regularly and refresh it from time to time.
Read MoreIt’s a common myth that charities are not allowed to trade. They are, and most do. This post provides a simple guide to the rules on charity trading.
Read MoreIn challenging times when fundraising is tougher than ever it’s great to be able to share a fundraising success story. Amersham Band have recently completed their £0.5 million new band room project and now have a wonderful, purpose built rehearsal space and community asset. Congratulations to Amersham Band
Read MoreAs 2021 gets underway and the environment in which charities and social enterprises operate appears to be even more volatile and uncertain than ever, the resilience of many organisations is being tested to its limits. But what makes for a resilient organisation and how resilience be improved?
Read MoreWe wish all our clients, and everyone working so hard to sustain vital charity services and support a restful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year and look forward to working with you in 2021.
Read MoreDanny Kruger report Levelling up our communities: proposals for a new social covenant, released in September 2020 includes some interesting ideas on the role of civil society in rebuilding after Covid. In our view, however, while these proposals (if implemented) may offer opportunities for the sector, as ever, its destiny lies in its own hands. Now is the time for radical thinking from within the sector itself.
Read MoreWe have heard a lot recently about how difficult it is to make plans in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment, and, while it is challenging, it is also necessary. This blog reflects a little on how small and medium sized charities and social enterprises can go about planning for an unknown future.
Read MoreGood Behavioural Governance practice is hard to define and in pressured times most people don’t have the time to read extensively on the subject. This blog offers a short checklist of good practice in Behavioural Governance.
Read MoreSince the Covid-19 pandemic hit there have been seismic shifts in the charitable grant funding market and the likelihood is that the volatility will continue for a while. This blog briefly explores what we think is going on and how smaller charities can navigate the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and (often) ambiguity.
Read MoreFrom time to time we’re asked for our top tips for writing a good bid for grant funding. So here goes.
Read MoreMany charities with a wider membership don’t know who the Members are and often treat them as silent partners in the charity. This articles outlines why it is important to maintain an accurate and secure register of Members and to ensure Members are treated (and used) properly.
Read MoreWith Government support for organisations most hit by Covid-19 now unwinding, all charities need to be investing time and effort in future strategic planning and developing new business models. But do they have the right skills at board level to do that?
Read MoreWith the pandemic having profound impacts on the finances and operations of almost all charities there’s a lot of talk of consolidation in the sector over the next few years. Will there be more charity mergers? And should there be?
Read MoreWhile there continue to be many indicators of severe impacts of Covid-19 on the charity sector, we believe there are grounds for optimism if funders and policy makers focus on supporting those who need help to survive and who can chart a positive future for their charity.
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