Insight and latest updates from our team

The influence of open data is increasingly driving policy - and improving enterprise. So, what is it, and how can it help the third sector?

The Skainos Centre is a regeneration project providing shared space for community transformation and renewal. This case study examines the process, challenges and benefits of developing a large collaborative project for shared premises.

Fermanagh House is a social enterprise owned by the Fermanagh Trust. It provides an example of one way that VCSE organisations can come together to share space and by doing so access greater resources than any one organisation could on its own.

This case study outlines the process undertaken by the Confederation of Community Groups in the development and establishment of shared premises, Ballybot House and An Storás, which it leases to 19 voluntary and community organisations in Newry.

By sharing premises organisations can begin to share knowledge, deliver joint services and decrease duplication. Cara-Friend, The Rainbow Project and LASI (now HERE NI) tell their story of improving services by sharing premises. 

The most successful collaborations are based around sound strategic reasons for working together. This case study shows how two organisations of different sizes can bring their assets together to improve services for shared beneficiaries.

Joint working can provide a more holistic service to beneficiaries. This case study provides an example of the process of planning and carrying out a project across organisational boundaries and some of the resulting challenges and benefits.

Before merging 16 separate societies were operating under the Abbeyfield brand, all providing similar services. It was decided that by merging these organisations could run more effectively. A case study of their merger is presented here.

How do you prove the difference your organisation makes? The Inspiring Impact NI project is aiming to support organisations to apply an approach that will help them better demonstrate the difference that they are making in their communities.

NICVA is hosting a Fundraising Expo. Tuesday 7th October, 5:30pm to 7:30pm.  The Expo will be a key opportunity for fundraisers and volunteers to meet funders face to face such as Big Lottery Fund and Lloyds Bank Foundation NI.  

With the Lobbying Bill receiving Royal Assent on 30 January 2014, find out the key things you need to know about this new legislation and the impact it may have on your organisation.

This article explains some of the issues involved in apportioning public spending and revenue to Northern Ireland.

On 31 July the Minister for Finance and Personnel published a Written Statement to the Assembly on the outcome of the Northern Ireland Executive’s 2014-15 June monitoring round.

The Department for Employment and Learning has released a consultation on Zero Hours Contracts in Northern Ireland.

NICVA's Centre for Economic Empowerment (CEE) held a major conference on Wednesday 28 May 2014, on Working Poverty looking at the extent and causes of in-work poverty in Northern Ireland and potential solutions.

Information on salary levels in the community, voluntary and charity sector.

With internet security vulnerabilities, malicious software and hacking on the increase, the security of our personal information and exactly what information is being held on us, is being thrown into the spotlight once again.

A short analysis of the impact of Budget 2014 on Northern Ireland.

This briefing gives an overview of the key issues relating to Payment by Results. It is part of the Public Sector Reform series of papers.

There are three main types of funding for voluntary and community organisations; grants, grant in aid, and procurement. This paper looks at them and outlines when it is appropriate to use them and the differences between them.