Every single day we are hearing about cuts to funding in our sector, impacting on people in our society in a devastating way. These cuts will have long lasting impacts on our society, economy, future, and all our lives, particularly those most vulnerable and marginalised.
These cuts along with the rising costs all organisations are facing is resulting in vital services being stopped or reduced, and people being denied the services and help that they so desperately need.
It also means staff being made redundant, ending projects and in some cases, organisations having to make the decision to close.
These are tough decisions for boards and management teams of organisations, resulting in stress and pressure for them as they try to navigate change and make the best choices in extremely challenging circumstances.
NICVA is here to support you, please contact us to let us know how we can help. During April- June 2023; NICVA has hosted a series of cost-of-ling events to hear directly from you about the issues you are facing and the support you require; with the sponsorship of Department for Communities were we able to provide ILM Leadership & Management bursaries and we hosting a range of fundraising seminars. These range of initiatives supported 307 organisations and were attended by 428 participants.
Advocacy
NICVA has been speaking out on your behalf to advocate for the sector and try to influence change. We have been convening meetings with Government Departments, the Secretary of State, Head of the Civil Service and many more to explain how budget cuts threaten the sector and outline the impact that cuts to funding will have on communities and citizens.
We have been asking for government to recognise the vital role we play in Northern Ireland and to be recognised as partners, more than simply just grantees.
We deserve to be recognised as strategic partners with respect and value for the vital role we play.
Follow @NICVA on Twitter to keep up-to-date on developments.
Practical Help
NICVA also provides practical help and support to organisations.
We give trusted and confidential advice to board members and leaders, who are having to make difficult decisions about their services, staff and organisations.
Our experienced and approachable staff are available to speak to you or email if you prefer.
Governance and Charity Law Advice - [email protected]
Fundraising Advice - [email protected]
Human Resource advice - [email protected]
General Enquiries - [email protected]
Below are some resources we have on our website that you might find helpful.
Resources and Links
Here you’ll find resources across a range of topics our sector has told us are high on their priority list.
Fundraising
In May and June 2023, we delivered a series of 8 training sessions on a variety of fundraising topics including: Developing a fundraising strategy, developing corporate partnership, Introduction to social enterprises and Building support from donor and community fundraisers.
Resources from Fundraising training series May-June 2023 | NICVA
This article on the cost-of-living impacts on charities contains some information on reviewing costs and income streams:
Charities and the cost-of-living crisis | NICVA
In the Autumn we have a series of short fundraising sessions on different area of fundraising. You can learn something new, top up your existing knowledge, or get a snapshot into an element of fundraising you would like to explore.
Free Online Introductory Fundraising Workshops for NICVA Members | NICVA
Wellbeing of staff and volunteers
Strategies for positive mental health in the workplace - resources and recording | NICVA
Charity Digital - Topics - Supporting staff wellbeing in uncertain times
Guest Blog: Workplace Wellbeing – Is it another thing to add to the list? | NICVA
Finance and Reserves
Reserves policy guidance | NICVA
Managing finances and options for sustainability in uncertain times Webinar recording | NICVA
Financial Planning Webinar - with Rosemary Gallagher | NICVA
Managing finance in difficult times webinar | NICVA
Redundancy
Top 5 redundancy planning considerations | NICVA
Labour Relations Agency Guide to Handling Redundancies in Small Businesses
Closing your organisation
Winding Up and Dissolving an Organisation | NICVA
Helping your team through closure | NCVO
Closing your charity or voluntary organisation | NCVO
Mergers and closures | The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (charitycommissionni.org.uk)