Support with funding applications, strategy and building the organisation

Third Sector Consultancy provides a range of services which help charities and voluntary and community organisations to develop as an organisation and to access the funding needed to fulfil their mission.

We are very much about real collaboration and partnership based on shared values – working hard to really understand your needs and building support based on these.

We can support you in  developing an effective fundraising strategy and through making and supporting applications to charitable trusts and foundations and the National Lottery.

We also provide tailored support so that your organisation can be ready for successful income generation. This includes support with consultations, evaluation and strategic and business planning.

We offer a free consultation on the funding needs and potential of your organisation. We are also sometimes able to access funding for development work which means that it can be at no cost to your organisation.

How is 2023 looking so far?

So far, so good! In fact, 2023 has been extraordinary so far. The work with Stanley Grange Community Association has reached a big milestone in that all the funds needed to refurbish two of the houses for adults with severe learning disabilities has been raised – with a funder known to them stepping in with the remaining £91,000 needed and a promise of further support for the next phase to refurbish three small houses there.                                         

We’ve had further success with Bierley Community Association in Bradford – helping them secure a council Strategic Grant (£10,000) in order to develop governance ands strategy. Also through the council we helped them gain £29,000 over 2 years to fund their work with older people: reminiscence, companionship and activities groups, advice and general support.

And we have a new client! Bradford Nightstop work to support young homeless people where the model is using trained volunteers who accept a young person into their home for one night at a time. TSC will be working closely with the trustees and Manager on developing their business planning and strategy and fundraising strategy – through a mentoring and skills development approach.

What was 2022 like??

Last year was a story of the importance of grants to small charities – no matter what size they are. For example, on the small side we have helped Bierley Community Association raise £10,000 for their community food growing and garden project. In November we heard that the Henry Smith Charity had awarded £126,000 over three years, followed by Garfield Weston with £30,000 over two years!

Our support for Otley Action for Older People resulted in a successful bid for £27,000 to develop a new support scheme for older men at risk of isolation and loneliness – through the use of transport in new ways.

On the larger side we supported the charity running the Todmorden Hippodrome to win a grant of over £800,000 from the Todmorden Town Bid programme initiated by central government. The funds will be to restructure and rebuild much of the inside of the premises to include new rehearsal and performance spaces. new community workshop room and storage spaces.

Looking further back – An extraordinary year – 2021:

Sometimes you get on a roll and isn’t that great! In a period of just 7 months TSC raised £500,000 for a dementia support charity in Manchester. Yes, £500,000! 

Together Dementia Support do incredible work supporting people with dementia AND their carers. The pandemic brought home to them that if they support the carers, the carers can more effectively care for their loved ones – and for themselves.

Our work with Otley Action for Older People reached new heights in 2021: we supported their amazing team of staff and trustees in bringing about the refurbishment of the entire Hub in the centre of Otley – together raising around £400,000. Not only this, we have supported them in their successful bid to the National Lottery which has raised a grant of around £140,000 to cover costs for a Volunteer Engagement and Community Worker.

One more item for 2021 – we helped Stanley Grange Community Association raise £160,000 for 5 years funding for the Activities Organiser working hard to create meaningful and enjoyable activities form adults with learning disabilities in their intentional community in Lancashire.