We aim to keep you aware of some of the key news and events around Bedfordshire and Luton of interest to the sector. For more detailed information, see each individual member site and the associated newsletters available there.

What Happens When Your Computer Breaks Down?

It would be nice if you could say “I call on my local ICT support service, which was set up by the sector and is delivered by individuals who share my organisation’s ethos and are committed to seeing it thrive and grow.” If you cannot respond in this way, click here for more info.

Press Release 06/11/07 -
Lottery Cash Supports Quality Work

CVS Mid and North Bedfordshire has been awarded funding from the Big Lottery Fund to support local voluntary and community organisations across Mid and North Bedfordshire. The £270,000 grant will pay for a full-time Funding and Development Officer to help organisations work more effectively and gain a Quality Standard that will help them to raise more cash. The funding will also be used to provide training opportunities for staff and volunteers... more info

Consultation Survey - Why we need your views

The Consortium, under Capacitybuilders’ direction, is currently working to produce a Strategic Plan for 2008 - 2014 and Business Plan for 2008 - 2011. Over the last few years research from over 2000 local organisations has helped shape the Consortium’s work. To enhance these plans, we are asking for your views on the suggested objectives and projects through a survey and/or at a series of consultation events.  Please take a few minutes to download and read our newsletter and complete the online survey by 10 December 2007.

Beds & Luton Compact

We are seeking your views on how to take the Beds & Luton Compact forward in the County. Visit our Compact page to find out more and how exactly your organisation can help.

Social What? Defining and Mapping the Characteristics of Social Enterprise in Bedfordshire
The term social enterprise is often misunderstood. Everyone, it seems, has a different definition. This report attempts to bring some clarity to the discussion, so that social enterprise organisations in Bedfordshire can be mapped and better supported... more info (PDF 108KB)

Fundraising Toolkit

This toolkit was launched at the 2007 Funding Fayre on 14th June & has been produced for use by local voluntary and community groups and it provides useful information on sources of funding from both local and national sources, information sheets on a variety of different subjects including how to make a good application, budgeting, a jargon buster, A – Z of fundraising ideas, and a guide to useful resources. It will be regularly updated.  The individual chapters can be downloaded from the CVS Mid and North Bedfordshire website.