Category: VCS Feature

Taking on Machu Picchu to Support Ideal for All
Taking on Machu Picchu to Support Ideal for All

 Stepping up for Ideal for All: sponsor Jamie’s Machu Picchu adventure. Most people who know Jamie will tell you that voluntarily hiking up a mountain is not exactly Jamie’s idea […]
Move and Grove this September 2026
Move and Grove this September 2026

It’s never too late to Move and Groove: new project gets Sandwell moving. What if staying active didn’t feel like exercise? That’s the idea behind Move & Groove, a seated […]
Good News Story: Garden of Arts
Good News Story: Garden of Arts

 Students Help Garden of Arts Grow Community Connections. Two University placement students have made a lasting impact at Black Country arts organisation Garden of Arts CIC through creative heritage projects […]
The Dorothy Parkes Community Centre’s Community Allotment Wins Gold!
The Dorothy Parkes Community Centre’s Community Allotment Wins Gold!

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the awards celebrate practical gardening skills, creativity, sustainability, and community pride. The competition encourages individuals and community groups to grow plants, create and […]
Hip, Hip, Hooray! Funding Is on Its Way
Hip, Hip, Hooray! Funding Is on Its Way

Hamstead Over 60s Club are absolutely delighted to share that they’ve received a generous Awards for All grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to cover their running and activities […]
Good News Story: The Mayor Who Came for Tea
Good News Story: The Mayor Who Came for Tea

Lee’s Memorial Sons of Rest in West Bromwich proudly welcomed Sandwell Council’s Mayor, Councillor Margaret Sutton, on Tuesday 21 July 2026, shining a spotlight on the vital role the club […]
Governance Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
Governance Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

Many trustees feel anxious about governance. That’s understandable—getting it wrong can be costly for both charities and trustees. But good governance isn’t about the thickest board papers, the longest risk […]
New ICO Guidance: Getting “Soft Opt‑In” Right
New ICO Guidance: Getting “Soft Opt‑In” Right

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published updated guidance on direct electronic marketing, introducing clearer rules around the “charitable purposes soft opt‑in.” For charities, this presents both an opportunity—and a […]
The Two‑Step Fundraising System Every Charity Should Be Using
The Two‑Step Fundraising System Every Charity Should Be Using

Funding is tight and time is limited—especially for small charities. While AI tools promise quick results, the real advantage comes from using them in the right order. Step 1: Decide […]
Get the Basics Right: Why Minute Taking Matters
Get the Basics Right: Why Minute Taking Matters

In most charities, decisions are made in meetings—but it’s the minutes that prove they ever happened. Far from being a routine administrative task, effective minute taking is central to good […]
Don’t Let Funding Decide Your Strategy
Don’t Let Funding Decide Your Strategy

In a rapidly shifting funding landscape, it’s a question many organisations quietly wrestle with: are we driven by our purpose—or by the funding we can secure? Too often, the answer […]
The Funder Perspective: Why Impact Reporting Matters
The Funder Perspective: Why Impact Reporting Matters

With new Charity Commission regulations coming into force in 2025 requiring larger charities to report on their impact, the sector finds itself at a pivotal moment. While many leaders—like CEO […]