ASCEND Programme

Access | Support | Capacity | Empowerment | Network | Development

NICVA’s ASCEND Programme is designed to build stronger connections with organisations and groups that represent ethnically minoritised communities in Northern Ireland, helping to develop leadership and strengthen organisational capacity.

Thanks to funding from Dormant Assets NI through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Access to Resilience Programme, we are providing tailored support to small VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations with annual incomes between £10,000 and £100,000.

What the ASCEND Programme Offers

Each year, seven organisations will be able to take part. Support will be delivered through a mix of:

  • One-to-one mentoring

  • Bespoke training sessions

  • Coaching

  • Peer learning and networking events

Focus areas include:

  • Leadership development

  • Good governance

  • Fundraising and income generation

  • Measuring and communicating impact

  • Collaboration and partnership

  • Organisational sustainability

Participating organisations will also receive:

  • A review (or draft) of their governing document

  • A one-year GrantTracker subscription

  • Ongoing access to NICVA advice and resources

  • A £500 incentive on successful completion of the programme

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, your organisation must:

  • Primarily work with or represent ethnically minoritised communities in Northern Ireland

  • Have an annual income of £10,000 to £100,000

  • Be committed to:
        • Participating in five half-day bespoke training/mentoring sessions
        • Attending four peer learning events during the year
        • Using the learning to strengthen your organisation
        • Sharing learning and collaborating with other groups
        • Taking part in programme evaluation

Interested in Taking Part?

You can get involved by completing a short Expression of Interest form. 

To find out more or request a form, contact: 

Sandra Bailie
Email: [email protected] 
Tel: 028 9087 7777

 

Logo for Dormant Assets NI, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund
Profile picture for user sandra.bailie@nicva.org
Sandra Bailie
Head of Organisational Development

ASCEND Year 1: Building Stronger, More Resilient Organisations

Over the past year, NICVA’s ASCEND Programme has supported grassroots organisations representing ethnically minoritised communities across Northern Ireland to strengthen leadership, build organisational capacity, and plan for long-term sustainability.

ASCEND Year 2 Information session

to
Online
Funded by Dormant Assets as part of the ASCEND programme

ASCEND Learning event - Communication

to
NICVA
Funded by Dormant Assets as part of the ASCEND programme

ASCEND groups meet to connect and learn

On 7 October, participants from NICVA’s ASCEND Programme gathered at NICVA for the first of four Year One learning events - an evening focused on connection, peer learning, and building skills in fundraising.

Minister O’Dowd visits NICVA to meet ASCEND participants

We were pleased to welcome Finance Minister John O’Dowd to NICVA on Wednesday 23 July for a special meeting with participants from our ASCEND Programme.