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The economic downturn is at present placing a strain on some groups, however the effects of the crisis could yet to be felt by other local voluntary groups in terms of:
- Reductions in Grants from Grant Making Trusts – as the negligible interest rates we are seeing at present will mean that the endowments that Grant Making Trusts rely on will be producing less in the way of interest with the result that fewer funds will be available to the voluntary sector.
- Reductions in Funding from Local and Central Government – there will be increasing pressure for the statutory sector to divert funding streams that would have normally come to the voluntary sector to bolster their own services.
Recession Resources
National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
NCVO have launched a ‘Surviving the Downturn’ on their website at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/downturn.asp. The site contains some useful tips for voluntary groups on how they can deal with the economic uncertainty, namely by:
- Have a diverse range of income streams - by exploring all the available income options; you can set up a more secure range of funding for your work. Why not attend one of the CVS Free ‘Fit for Funding’ workshops or make an appointment to use our Funding Resources room to search for additional funders or contact Maxine Hayes or Jane Owen on 01234 354366 to discuss matters further. Indeed remember to place a note in your diary to attend the 2009 Funding Fayre at Bedford Corn Exchange on 17th June, where you can meet funders face-to-face.
- Strengthen key relationships - ensure that you are responding to the needs of the people that use your services and products. Be clear with your funders what they want from you and what you can provide. Find out more about collaborative working. Indeed if you are thinking about undertaking more collaborative work with other voluntary groups in the area why not contact our Collaborative Working Officer Ian Curtis on 01234 354366, who will guide you through the process.
- Focus on your mission - concentrate on your core business and make sure your organisation is doing what it is best at
- Tighten up financial systems - make sure that you have an accurate picture of income, cash flow and costs so you can quickly address any issues.
- Plan for the future - rapid economic change can provide opportunities as well as threats. Ensure your organisation thinks about what is coming and has planned accordingly. In terms of these last three points there is no better time to engage with Quality Standards, to ensure your organisation is resilient enough to weather the economic downturn and increase in the demand of your groups services, so contact Jane Owen on 01234 354366 who can advise on what quality standard is best for your organisation.
Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO)
ACEVO have unveiled their ‘Recession Support Portal’ (at www.recessionsupport.org.uk) in a bid to provide groups with the practical advice and guidance they need to emerge through the economic downturn. The website, which is free to use and also available to non-members of ACEVO, includes various guides written by a range of experts covering key topics such as finance, management and career development. It will also include the latest recession news, along with links to other useful organisations, sector events and training courses.
National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)
NAVCA have also created a series of web pages on their website under the banner of ‘Recession Resources and Support’ (at www.navca.org.uk/localvs/recession). The Key Resources section is particularly useful.
NAVCA have also produced a paper on 'Responding to a funding cut', that
provides a framework for developing a strategy to campaign against a funding cut.
The Charity Commission
The downturn in the economy over the past year poses a challenge to charities with more people needing their services but many sources of charity income are in decline. As the regulator of charities in England and Wales, the Charity Commission want to make sure that they are doing all that can be done to support charities through the current climate. They have brought together information charities need to understand, prepare for and react to the changing financial situation. This includes the Big Board Talk and features the download:
You can find further details at the Charity Commissions 'Helping Charities through the Economic Downturn' Page
The Charity Commission's 'Managing financial difficulties and insolvency in charities' helps you to look objectively at your organisation's financial situation and prospects, if the recession forces you into this position.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
ACAS and CIPD have jointly published guidance on 'Managing the Workforce in a Recession' at http://digbig.com/4ymbx
Institute of Fundraising - 'Fundraising Healthcheck'
'Fundraising HealthCheck' is a FREE, confidential diagnostic tool to help you understand the impact of the recession on your fundraising portfolio.
Armed with your net income and/or your investment budget, you can use Fundraising HealthCheck to generate customised reports that provide:
- A prognosis for each area of your fundraising, based on past experience and current trends
- Practical advice and guidance on how to survive and thrive during the economic downturn
Website: www.fundraisinghealthcheck.org
The Cranfield Trust - Surviving the Recession - Free Support
With the economic climate fast changing beyond recognition, many charities and social enterprises are struggling to survive. Getting professional help quickly could make the difference between your organisation surviving or becoming another casualty.
The Cranfield Trust has 20 years' experience in providing free management and consultancy services to the charity and not-for-profit sector, in the form of 'Surviving the Recession - Free Support'. They can help you act decisively to manage key areas of concern and ensure you still reach the people that need you most.
Their highly skilled, business volunteers bring a fresh perspective and seasoned eye to tackling short term issues that will help provide long term stability. From cash flow analysis to staff restructuring, their pool of over 600 experienced volunteers have the expertise to provide creative solutions where and when you need them most.
If you are struggling with any of the following:
• Managing cash flow
• Forecasting and scenario planning
• Setting appropriate performance indicators
• Reviewing strategy and business plans
• Retaining and managing staff resources
• Facilitating merger or collaboration talks
Then call them right now to arrange for free, professional support on tel: 0844 8003390. Website: www.cranfieldtrust.org
Development Trusts Association
'Early Warning Guide' from Development Trusts Association is an easy to use tool designed to help you to spot the warning signs of potential problems in order to help you identify these challenges as early as possible.
Charities Aid Foundation
Charities Aid Foundation has a free confidential financial crisis helpline, which provides a one-off confidential discussion with suggestions for survival. Tel: 0800 980 2000. Details from the Charity Aid Foundation Financial Crisis Helpline page.
‘Real Help for Communities’ Modernisation Fund
The Government’s £16.5 million ‘Real Help for Communities’ Modernisation Fund will help third sector organisations be more resilient to the impact of the economic downturn. It is focused on helping organisations providing services to those worst hit by the recession.
The funding will help in two main ways:
- Bursaries of £1,000 for organisations to pay for initial advice on how they can become more resilient and work more closely with others to increase their impact, and grants of up to £10,000 to help pay costs involved in moving towards collaboration or merger.
- Interest-free loans of between £30,000 and £500,000 for third sector organisations with existing plans for mergers and collaboration or other activities to help them prepare for difficult times.
Download: 'Real Help for Communities: Modernisation Fund' Grants Programme Booklet
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Is your Organisation Affected by the Recession?
Please do let us know if you are being affected by the current economic downturn. Are you seeing fewer donations, or more clients needing your service, or more volunteers? Providing us with a local picture will help us to argue for any additional funds to help you through this period. Email martin@yourcvs.org
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Local Evidence
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