by John Harris | Jun 29, 2024 | news
John has been supporting a London client – helping their team of 4 fundraisers develop their skills – through reviewing their draft funding applications and sharoing an assessment with them of the areas that can be strengthened. So far this has helped them to successes with a Sport England grant of £11,500 (for dance and movement with girls) and £30,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation (for running costs). The Director said “I want to thank you for your input into our applications…It was clearly a good investment on our part! And we are obviously working with the right professional!” This work is part of a process where John identifies the issues arsing from these reviews and will turn these into a training session or two.
by John Harris | May 28, 2024 | news
Today we heard that our extensive work over the last several months in support of a multi year grant for a West Yorkshire housing association has been successful. They have been awarded £313,000 over the next 3 years to develop and run their food and wrap around skills development project. This is all about equipping people to learn more of the skills needed to manage on a low income (budgeting, accessing benefits entitlements) , eat healthily and cheaply – as well as developing more of the confidence and esteem which make for a positive state of mental well-being. Surveys informed by TSC were used to assess the need for support with budgeting and wellbeing – as well as a strong need for support with employability, housing advice, benefits advice, volunteering opportunities and advice. This survey showed a very strong need for help with accessing furniture and white goods. All of these areas were identified as being key steps in helping people be more independent and not relying on food parcels in the future. This a huge result for Third Sector Consultancy – with special recognition for Rachel who led on this work for us – well done!
by John Harris | Apr 19, 2024 | news
As is well know accessing funding for core costs can be challenging. Hence the importance of those funders who will consider this. We have achieved a two year grant amounting to £60,000 for Stanley Grange – to cover core costs – from the wonderful Garfield Weston Foundation. This work is done by John as an associate of Moneytree Fundraising and brings the total raised to £845,000 over 5 years! Most of this funding has been to refurbish the houses for the 42 adults with severe learning disabilities. All residents get to say how they want their new en suite bathrooms or wet rooms – as well as how they want the decor and furniture. Their reports are that they are very happyt with this – including the young female Blackburn Rovers fan whose decor reflects her team!
by John Harris | Apr 6, 2024 | news
We are carrying out a range of consultation and involvement processes with Otley Action – to ensure that the organisation knows what the needs are for older people, what the impact of the support provided is and that all key stakeholders can give their independent feedback – all making sure that the charity is on track. The first consultation event was with 15 volunteers earlier this week – asking them what the challenges are that older people face; which ones Otley Action should focus on; what they get out of volunteering and any suggestions for developing and clarifying the role of volunteer. It was a lively session with a good number of insights and suggestions coming through – more detail n this in a later post. We will also be consulting with the members (the older people using the services), staff, trustees, the public and exteranl agencies e.g. commissioners, MP, health centres etc. Thin will all feed into a report including both observations and suggestions for development.
by John Harris | Mar 28, 2024 | news
As from February we are working with two new clients: Otley Courthouse and the Bridge Church. Otley Courthouse is 20 years old this May and provides a wide range of arts, cultural and community activities – through a small staff team and a much larger team of volunteers of all ages. The Courthouse are keen to develop a stronger Volunteer Co-ordinator role, for much needed new equipment and to raise funds for core costs. The Bridge Church is a United Reformed Church in Otley (Leeds) and provides a good range of community support services as well as being a place of worship. Funds are needed for a new roof and the remodel and refurbish a much used community room.
