New Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise business support programme launched
20 June 2023
We have teamed up with Clarion Futures and the Fusion21 foundation to launch a new VCSE business support programme.
The new £850,000 Resilience Programme will provide business support and core cost grants to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Communities nationwide.
It will be delivered in partnership with Clarion Futures, and the Fusion21 Foundation which was set up as a registered charity to help build brighter futures for the communities that national procurement provider Fusion21 operates in.
All three partners will be funding the programme which aims to build the capacity and capability of grassroots VCSE organisations, helping to deliver greater impact for the communities they serve.
In addition to reaching communities where Clarion, Places for People and the Fusion21 Foundation have a presence, other housing associations are invited to refer organisations who would benefit from support, helping to increase the reach and impact of the programme.
For each organisation enrolled in the programme an expert team of charity consultants will identify areas of need and develop a bespoke, targeted plan to help them to move forwards. This could include anything from support with governance and structure, fundraising and strategy through to understanding community need and volunteering.
At our core we change lives by creating and supporting thriving communities and the Resilience Programme will help us achieve this by working closely with grassroots organisations to deliver real and positive change within our communities. We are delighted to be partnering with Clarion Futures and the Fusion21 Foundation who share our common vision of working together to create impactful change for the better of our communities and customers.
Phil Miles, Director of Clarion Futures, said:
“Getting funding to communities that need it in a fair way that creates lasting and positive change can be challenging, and that’s where the idea for this programme came from. Working with Places for People and the Fusion21 Foundation we aim to reach organisations that can make a real difference to people in our communities nationwide, transforming lives and improving neighbourhoods."
Jo Hannan, Head of Fusion21 Foundation, said:
“We’re delighted to support such a worthwhile programme, led by Clarion Futures and Places for People. As anchor institutions, we know how much our housing association partners appreciate the significant value of local community organisations to individuals, communities, and the wider economy. This programme will support local VCSE services through targeted funding and capacity building – enabling them to benefit more people and communities and be equipped and robust enough to face current and future challenges, ensuring viability for the longer term.”
The programme aims to provide business support to up to 100 organisations nationwide, with funding available to contribute towards the core costs of 50 of these organisations.
Applications will be considered based on eligibility and remaining space on the programme so should be submitted as soon as possible. Organisations will hear the outcome of their application by the end of September 2023.
To find out more about the programme and apply, email ResilienceProgramme@clarionhg.com.
