This year, we delivered innovative services and collaborative solutions to help organisations overcome challenges and create meaningful change in their communities.
In a challenging environment, voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland continued to achieve remarkable results. NICVA supported 1,447 members and the wider sector with tailored training, essential resources, and a strong advocacy voice to meet emerging needs and ensure long-term sustainability.
This report highlights these achievements, showcases how our work has enabled the sector to innovate, grow, and thrive, and sets out our aspirations for the future.
Key highlights
Our work is guided by four strategic priorities: Support, Influence, Develop, and Invest. Below are just some of the ways we’ve made a difference. For a deeper insight into the impact of our work, we encourage you to explore the full report.
1. Support
- Training: 70 sessions delivered to 747 participants, covering areas such as governance; fundraising, communications and leadership and management.
- Accredited Courses: 13 ILM/TQUK accredited courses in Leadership and Management, Coaching and Mentoring, Education and Training and Quality Assurance were delivered with 400 learners achieving qualifications.
- Fundraising: Provided regular advice, funding information, and training.
- Tailored Support: 102 support sessions delivered in governance, fundraising, HR, and impact to organisations.
2. Influence
- Policy Engagement: Responded to public consultations, including the 2024-25 Budget EQIA.
- Events: 48 policy engagement events with 828 attendees.
- Representation: NICVA staff represented the sector on over 50+ committees.
- Campaigns: Coordinated campaigns on the Value of the Sector and Sustainable Funding- including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
- Partnerships: Established the first All-Party Group for the Voluntary & Community Sector creating a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration.
3. Develop
- Governance Support: Provided secretariat to the Developing Governance Group.
- Future Thinking Summit: Hosted our first Summit with 378 attendees with 55 sector organisations leading 14 engagement hubs.
- Youth Work Transformation: In partnership with 12 youth organisations, engaged over 200 people on this issue.
- Workforce Report: Published findings on key workforce challenges and solutions for the sector.
4.Invest
- Values: Updated NICVA’s core values to Caring, Courage, Commitment, Collaboration.
- Governance Review: Conducted a comprehensive review of our governance and organisational structure to ensure future readiness.
- Well-being: Hosted regular well-being events for staff.
- Accreditation: Retained Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditation to maintain high standards of data security.
- Membership: By collaborating with and championing our members, we provide tailored support, resources, and advocacy to help them achieve their goals and make a lasting impact.
- Free membership to small organisations: NICVA is proud to continue to offer free membership to organisations with an income of less than £20,000, ensuring small and new organisations can invest and develop.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on the past year, NICVA’s 2024 Impact Report stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and shared purpose. The stories and successes highlighted within the report showcase the resilience and dedication of our members and the communities they serve.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We invite you to explore the full report and discover how we can support your organisation in making a difference in 2025.
* Data included in report reflects the period November 2023 - November 2024
