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Support Services - National Support Services

Look here for National Support Services. Please note that PTSC cannot be held responsible for the content of these websites.

    Cosmic

    COSMIC is a Website Design, Consultancy, Tech Support and ICT Training social enterprise based in rural East Devon offering a range of high quality I.T. services to clients, organisations and businesses across the South West and the whole of the UK.

    Contact Details

    COSMIC, Pendennis House, Gold Street Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1DG

    Website
    http://www.cosmic.org.uk/
    Phone
    01404 813226

    Voluntary Arts Network

    Voluntary Arts Network aims to promote participation in the arts and crafts across the UK and Republic of Ireland. We recognise that they are a key part of our culture and as such they are absolutely vital to our health, social and economic development.

    Contact Details

    121 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9PH

    Website
    http://www.voluntaryarts.org/
    Email
    info@voluntaryarts.org
    Phone
    02920 395 395

    South West Observatory

    South West Observatory - the regional information gateway. Here you can access a network of analysts and information across a broad range of demographic, environmental and economic services.

    Contact Details

    East Reach House Taunton TA1 3EN

    Website
    http://www.swo.org.uk/
    Phone
    01823 447390

    Cemvo - Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations

    The Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations is a registered charity dedicated to building the capacity and advocating on behalf of minority ethnic voluntary organisations. The organisation's website contains details of its programmes, as well as career and volunteering opportunities.


    Contact Details

    1st Floor, Royal Oak House, Royal Oak Avenue Bristol BS1 4GB

    Website
    http://www.cemvo.org.uk/
    Email
    enquiries@cemvo.org.uk
    Phone
    0117 989 7727

    Business in the Community

    Business in the Community is a membership organisation that mobilises business for good.

    They work across four impact areas - workplace, marketplace, environment and community. Top campaigning priorities are tackling climate change and developing the talent and skills of the existing and future workforce.

    Contact Details

    TV West, Bath Road Bristol BS4 3HG

    Website
    http://www.bitc.org.uk/
    Email
    catherine.dixon@bitc.org.uk
    Phone
    0117 972 2111

    Compact - Working Together, Better Together

    The Compact is the agreement between government and the voluntary sector in England to improve their relationship. The website contains a host of information on all aspects of the compact locally and nationally. It also includes codes of good practice and a list of FAQs.




    Contact Details

    77 Paradise Circus Queensway Commission for the Compact Building Birmingham B1 2DT

    Website
    http://www.thecompact.org.uk/
    Email
    info@thecompact.org.uk
    Phone
    0121 237 5900
    Fax
    0121 233 2120

    FunderFinder

    An organisation that has developed software both free and advanced subscription software that sources charitable trusts and foundations that give grants to voluntary organisations and community groups in the UK.

    They also produce two free applications which help groups with the process of getting a grant:

    Apply Yourselves - how write an effective funding application.

    Budget Yourselves - how to create and use a budget that will stand up to scrutiny by funders.

    Contact Details

    65 Raglan Road Leeds LS2 9DZ

    Website
    http://www.funderfinder.org.uk/
    Email
    info@funderfinder.org.uk
    Phone
    0113 243 3008
    Fax
    0113 243 2966

    fit4funding

    The fit4funding website provides 'Help & Advice' for community groups and voluntary organisations who are seeking funding.

    These resources can also be used by those giving funding advice in the Voluntary and Community Sector.

    All of these are downloadable in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.

    There is also information about the services such as newsletters, interactive learning and training, that fit4funding provides either throughout England and Wales, or locally within West Yorkshire.

    Contact Details

    93 Lawefield Lane Wakefield WF2 8SU

    Website
    http://www.fit4funding.org.uk/
    Email
    info@fit4funding.org.uk
    Phone
    01924 239063
    Fax
    01924 239431

    Trustee Net - Bringing Trustees together

    Trustee Net is the Charity Trustee Networks' free national network of trustees and management committee members. The site contains news, a forum, resource documents and listings of events and local networks. Users can also communicate their views to the CTN by taking part in online surveys.



    Contact Details

    2nd Floor, The Guildford Institute, Ward Street Guildford GU1 4LH

    Website
    http://www.trusteenet.org.uk/
    Phone
    01483 230280

    Media Trust

    UK charity working in partnership with the media industry to meet the communications needs of the voluntary sector.

    Practical help is available and the Trust has a network of journalists, media and design companies and trainers to help charities get their message out.

    Contact Details

    Riverwalk House 2nd Floor 157-161 Millbank London SW1P 4RR

    Website
    http://www.mediatrust.org/
    Email
    info@mediatrust.org
    Phone
    020 7217 3717
    Fax
    020 7217 3716

    Association of Charitable Foundations

    ACF (Association of Charitable Foundations) is the leading membership assocation for trusts and foundations in the UK with over 300 members ranging in size from small and local grant-makers to some of the world's largest foundations.

    They provide grants of about £1.7bn each year, predominantly to the charities and voluntary sector. ACF provides a framework in which its members learn from each other's experience and achieve good practice in grant making.

    Contact Details

    14 Upper Woburn Place London WC1H 0AE

    Website
    http://www.acf.org.uk/
    Phone
    020 7255 4499

    Sport England

    Good links to possible sources of funding for sporting activities.

    The funding programmes are:

    * Small Grants
    * Sportsmatch
    * Innovation Fund
    * Rural Communities
    * Sustainable Facilities Fund

    They also offer support and advice and have an extensive research section.

    Contact Details

    3rd Floor Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square London WC1B 4SE

    Website
    http://www.sportengland.org/
    Email
    info@sportengland.org
    Phone
    08458 508508
    Fax
    020 7383 5740

    Big Issue Invest - Financing Social Enterprises

    Big Issue Invest is a specialised provider of finance to social enterprises or trading arms of charities that are finding business solutions that create social and environmental transformation.

    Part of The Big Issue group of companies, it is led by social entrepreneurs and experienced social financiers. As a social enterprise itself, Big Issue Invest pays any dividends generated up to its parent, The Big Issue, also a social enterprise with a charitable arm, The Big Issue Foundation.

    BIGinvest is a £3.5 million sustainable loan fund for social enterprises founded by The Big Issue. It is also run as a social enterprise. The website allows users to download an application form, and also contains details of its current loan portfolio.

    Contact Details

    1-5 Wandsworth Rd London SW8 2LN

    Website
    http://www.bigissueinvest.com/
    Email
    enquiries@bigissueinvest.com
    Phone
    020 7526 3434

    Big Lottery Fund

    Created by the merger of the New Opportunities Fund and Community Fund, the Big Lottery Fund distribute half the money for good causes from the National Lottery.

    Contact Details

    1 Plough Place London EC4A 1DE

    Website
    http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/
    Email
    general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk
    Phone
    0207 211 1800
    Fax
    020 7211 1750

    Futurebuilders

    Futurebuilders invests in third sector organisations delivering public services

    They offer loan financing, often combined with grants and professional support, to third sector organisations in England that need investment to help them bid for, win and deliver public service contracts.

    Contact Details

    5th Floor, 6 St Andrew Street London EC4A 3AE

    Website
    http://www.futurebuilders-england.org.uk/
    Email
    info@futurebuilders-england.org.uk
    Phone
    0191 261 5200
    Fax
    020 7842 7701

    Jargonbuster

    A guide defining and explaining terms used by funders and support agencies.

    Contact Details

    St Andrew's House, 18-20 St Andrew Street London EC4A 3AY

    Website
    http://www.cafonline.org/Default.aspx?page=7589
    Phone
    03000 123 000

    Finance Hub - Making Sense of Funding in The Third Sector

    The Finance Hub is one of six national hubs of expertise established under the ChangeUp programme. It aims to increase third sector access to high quality information, advice and support on funding and finance, and use its expertise to influence policy and practice. Its website contains various guides and research documents, as well as details of current projects.

    Contact Details

    c/o Charities Aid Foundation, St Andrew's House, 18-20 St Andrew Street London EC4A 3AY

    Website
    http://www.financehub.org.uk/
    Phone
    0207 832 3016

    bassac

    bassac stands for the British Association of Settlements and Social Action Centres and is a membership body for key community organisations.

    Contact Details

    33 Corsham Street London N1 6DR

    Website
    http://www.bassac.org.uk/in-my-region/wales-south-west-england
    Email
    dave@bassac.org.uk
    Phone
    07825 175867

    Community Alliance

    The Community Alliance is a partnership of bassac, Community Matters and the Development Trusts Association. The alliance supports the development of a strong and effective community sector through the recognition and promotion of 'Community Anchor' organisations.

    Contact Details

    33 Corsham Street London N1 6DR

    Website
    http://www.comm-alliance.org/
    Email
    richard.usher@communitymatters.org.uk
    Phone
    020 7336 9491

    Community Sector Coalition

    The Community Sector Coalition's mission is to be a credible and authoritative independent voice for the community sector.

    It has a membership of 20 national charities which collaborate through the Coalition, ensuring that learning is shared and a stronger voice campaigns on issues vital to the sector.

    Contact Details

    33 Corsham Street London N1 6DR

    Website
    http://www.communitysectorcoalition.org.uk/
    Phone
    0207 336 9461

    NCVO

    National Council of Voluntary Organisations - the umbrella body for the voluntary sector in England. NCVO is a highly effective lobbying organisation and represents the views of its members, and the wider voluntary sector to government, the European Union and other bodies. We are also at the leading edge of research into, and analysis of, the voluntary sector.

    The organisation has a free HelpDesk contactable by telephone, email or textphone the service provides advice and support for anyone involved in the voluntary sector.

    Freephone: 0800 2 798 798 (9.00am to 5.00pm)
    Textphone: 0800 01 88 111 (minicom)
    Email: helpdesk@askncvo.org.uk

    Contact Details

    Regent's Wharf 8 All Saints Street London N1 9RL

    Website
    http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/
    Email
    helpdesk@askncvo.org.uk
    Phone
    0800 2 798 798
    Fax
    020 7713 6300

    Volunteering England

    Volunteering England is an independent voluntary agency committed to supporting, enabling and celebrating volunteering in all its diversity.

    Support and various resources are available including research, policy innovation, good practice and grant making in the involvement of volunteers.

    Contact Details

    Regents Wharf 8 All Saints Street London N1 9RL

    Website
    http://www.volunteering.org.uk/
    Email
    volunteering@volunteeringengland.org
    Phone
    0845 305 6979
    Fax
    020 7520 8910

    Do-it Volunteering Made Easy

    Do-it was launched in 2001 with the first national database of volunteering opportunities in the UK.

    Do-it is part of the registered charity YouthNet, a non-profit-making organisation. We do not charge people to use the database as we believe that volunteering should be free to the user and so make a small charge to organisations registering their opportunities to ensure this.

    Contact Details

    First Floor, 50 Featherstone Street London EC1Y 8RT

    Website
    http://www.do-it.org.uk/
    Phone
    0845 450 0220
    Fax
    020 7250 3695

    iT4Communities - Introducing Volunteer IT Professionals to Charities Needing IT Help

    iT4Communities aims to encourage IT professionals to volunteer, introduce them to third sector organisations looking for help with IT projects and provide presentations, workshops and best practice resources on IT volunteering. All of these activities are reflected on the organisation's website, which also allows people to sign up as volunteers.

    Contact Details

    c/o Information Technologists Company, 39a Bartholomew Close London EC1A 7JN

    Website
    http://www.it4communities.org.uk/it4c/home/index.jsp
    Email
    info@it4communities.org.uk
    Phone
    020 7796 2144

    NCVO - The National Council for Voluntary Organisations

    The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is the umbrella body representing voluntary organisations in England. As well as representing the views of the voluntary sector to government, it also produces research on the voluntary sector and offers advice and support to people working in or with the sector. Its vast website reflects all of these activities.

    Contact Details

    Regent's Wharf, 8 All Saints Street London N1 9RL

    Website
    http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/
    Phone
    0800 2 798 798

    Institute for Volunteering Research

    The Institute for Volunteering Research aims to develop a knowledge and understanding of volunteering through carrying out research. The website contains a wealth of information on new and previous research projects commissioned by the institute.

    Contact Details

    Regent's Wharf, 8 All Saints Street London N1 9RL

    Website
    http://www.ivr.org.uk/
    Email
    ivr@volunteeringengland.org.uk
    Phone
    0845 305 6979
    Fax
    020 7520 8910

    CTT - Charity Technology Trust

    Charity Technology Trust's mission is to provide the best technology solutions available to enhance the ways in which charities interact with their supporters and clients, and manage their administration. The website contains a wealth of case studies of how charities have used technology for communication, fundraising and other activities.

    Contact Details

    2nd Floor, Downstream Building, 1 London Bridge London SE1 9BG

    Website
    http://www.ctt.org/
    Phone
    0845 456 18 23
    Fax
    0207 785 39 11

    Reach - Skilled Volunteers

    Reach aims to recruit people with managerial, professional, business and technical experience and match them with part-time voluntary roles throughout the UK. The website allows both volunteers and organisations to sign up for the programme.

    Contact Details

    89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP

    Website
    http://www.reachskills.org.uk/
    Phone
    020 7582 6543
    Fax
    020 7582 2423

    Consortium of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered Voluntary and Community Organisations

    They are a national membership organisation focusing on the development and support of LGBT groups and projects; so they can deliver direct services and campaign for individual rights.

    Supporting the LGBT third sector

    Here’s how we work to build a stronger LGBT third sector:

    Support - provide advice, information and guidance

    Share - develop networks and partnerships

    Shout - represent and provide a voice for LGBT organisations and groups

    Store - gather and collate information and research

    Contact Details

    J111 Tower Bridge Business Complex, 100 Clements Road London SE16 4DG

    Website
    http://www.lgbtconsortium.org.uk/
    Email
    information@lgbtconsortium.org.uk
    Phone
    020 7064 8383
    Fax
    020 7064 8283

    Charity Bank

    Charity Bank is the UK's only regulated bank that is also a registered general charity. They are also the only bank that uses 100% of depositors’ savings to support charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises that address society’s needs.

    Contact Details

    194 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1BE

    Website
    http://www.charitybank.org/
    Email
    enquiries@charitybank.org
    Phone
    01732 774040
    Fax
    01732 774069

    Knowhownonprofit

    Building experience, sharing expertise. If you are setting up a new organization, charity, community group or social enterprise, then this is the place to get some ideas about how to get started. You can also share tips and techniques and ask questions on the forum.

    governmentfunding

    Online portal to Government grants for the voluntary and community sector

    GrantsNet

    Comprehensive information about grant support schemes for UK businesses and charities

    Contact Details

    Website
    http://www.grantsnet.co.uk/

    fundinginformation.org

    Fundraising information service, exclusively dedicated to the needs of voluntary organisations

    navcaboodle

    navcaboodle a social network for third sector colleagues and NAVCA members to network, chat, discuss and share experiences.

    There are also some specialist groups that you can become part of including:

    * SKiLD
    * Commissioning and Procurement
    * Representation, voice and empowerment
    * Green issues.

    You need to become a member of the site to join the groups, registration is free and simple.

    Contact Details

    Website
    http://www.navcaboodle.org.uk/

    Improving Support

    Improving Support brings together practical resources for those providing support to third sector organisations.

    Hosted by Capacitybuilders, the website provides a gateway to the widest range of tools and information, and will soon offer an easily accessible community for the exchange of resources, ideas and learning.

    An Improving Support magazine and ebulletin also help support providers to stay informed and share learning on a range of issues relevant to their work.

    Contact Details

    Website
    http://www.improvingsupport.org.uk/

    inDevon - Intelligence Network Devon

    Intelligence Network Devon is a partnership that has existed for many years developing a shared work programme in research and intelligence. It was originally known as the DevINE partnership. More than 20 different organisations are involved.

    Intelligence Network Devon aims:

    * To continue the development of a shared work programme in the broad area of research, information development, IT and communications
    * To share resources in implementing a joint action plan
    * Share best practice
    * To eliminate duplication
    * To ensure Devon plays an active part in supporting the Regional Observatory

    The intelligence network will provide the evidence base on which to inform policy development and service provision.

    SouthWestID

    SouthWestID is an expanding on-line library of information about South West England. It has been set up by the South West Observatory to help promote the use of evidence in the region's policy making, and is also a resource for business, schools, students and the general public.

    Contact Details

    Website
    http://www.southwestid.org.uk/index.do

    Fundraising UK- Improving The Effectiveness of Charity and Non-profit Fundraisers

    Fundraising UK is an internet fundraising consultancy dedicated to helping charities use the Internet as a fundraising tool. Its website, UK Fundraising, contains a wealth of information, including advice, training events, and resource, book and job listings. It also hosts a forum.

    Contact Details

    Website
    http://www.fundraising.co.uk/

    Governmentfunding.org.uk

    Governmentfunding.org.uk brings together all the regional, local and national government funding schemes in one place – incredibly time-saving. It also includes independent grant administrators and European sources and keeps you updated on funding rounds coming up.

    Governmentfunding.org.uk gives you a real advantage in securing funds from government sources. Simply enter search criteria specific to your cause and location and find the relevant schemes to apply to, and most importantly how to apply.

    AbilityNet - Adapting Technology, Changing Lives

    AbilityNet is a national charity helping disabled people use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology. The charity's website contains lots of information on training courses and adapted products. It also lists the various services that AbilityNet offers.

    Contact Details

    Website
    http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/
    Email
    enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
    Phone
    0800 269545
    Fax
    01926 407425

    Citra - Charity IT Resource Alliance

    The Charity IT Resource Alliance is a membership organisation specialising in helping charities' IT staff develop their skills and relevant knowledge. Its vast website is a community site which has been designed to grow and deliver peer-to-peer information. Sections on the site include events, resources, surveys and a forum.

    Contact Details

    Website
    http://www.citra.org.uk/