Hello and happy New Year!

2010 is set to be a huge year for the FSI; our team (we’re a family really) has grown as we build up the base of experience that we offer to you and all small charities (you’re part of the family too!). 

You may need to bear with us a bit – this is such a huge year with so many new and exciting initiatives that you may end up getting quite a few emails from us in January as we launch the events for 2010.  We don’t want to overload you, but we know that there are so many ways to get involved with the FSI and we want to make sure you have the longest possible lead-time to plan for these events.

Major initiatives in 2010 include the return of the Small Charity Car Draw, the FSI Workshop, the FSI Challenge and Small Charity Week – 2010 is the year of small charities (every year is for us!) and we want to put you at the forefront.  With an election looming we will be seeking your feedback on the policy issues that will affect the sector and advocating for the next government to increase engagement with, and recognition of, small charities and the immense, positive role you play in building a better Britain. 

The best piece of advice I can give you is to get involved and engage with us whenever you can.  The FSI was established to help you – and that is what we love doing.  Keep visiting our website, join our online Community, and I hope to see you at one of our events (and there are plenty) soon.

Pauline

FSI AFFILIATES

As part of our commitment to small charities we have upgraded our Partners Programme as the FSI Affiliates and will be working closely with each of our 2010 Affiliates to develop their organisational capability and sustainability. 

Affiliates receive a tailored package of training and development opportunities that begins with an FSI Life Stage Assessment, and proceeds through a 12-month programme. 

We still have vacancies for Affiliates working in the fields of Environment and Animals, Religion, and Arts, Sport and Culture.  If you, or a charity you know, might be interested in joining the programme then you need to complete the application form on our website and return it to us by January 27.

KEY DATES – mark your diary now

19 January: Launch of the FSI Buying Group

Brought to you in partnership with the FSI and Fenns, the FSI Buying Group allows small charities to take advantage of preferential pricing through Fenns stationery, with every purchase helping support the FSI to deliver more services to small charities right across the UK. 

Late February: FSI Scholarship Launch

The UK’s most valuable small charity scholarship will launch in late February.  Aimed at an emerging professional in the small charity sector, the FSI Scholarship provides management training, a background to the back office disciplines, and the opportunity to attend events and conferences with the leading figures in the sector.  The scholarship is demanding, but the rewards for you and your charity are immense.  Keep an eye on the FSI website for more information.  

7 April: Launch of the Great Big small Charity Car Draw

After the success of the 2009 Car Draw we are doing it all again in 2010!  This is your opportunity to get involved, sell tickets and make some money for your charity.

21 April: FSI Workshop

Focussing on building a strategic and strong back-office operation, the FSI Workshop is your chance to learn from industry leaders in the aspects of legal, marketing, IT, leadership, strategy, monitoring and evaluation and operational best practice.

5 June: the FSI Challenge

It isn’t just a fun day in the country; it is the chance for you to raise money for your cause!  So sign up your best runners and walkers and find those sponsors for this day of fun and fundraising. 

14-18 June: Small Charity Week

This week-long celebration of small charities will feature in-depth training days, online information sharing, and events right across the UK.  The week will include opportunities in campaigning, lobbying, and fundraising, so keep an eye on the SCW web page as we post more details of the week that is all about small charities.

And coming very, very soon…

Any day now we will be launching the FSI Community.  The Community will be the online home of all small charities. It will be a place to share information, network, showcase your charity, access training notes and will also become the portal for booking trainings and opportunities.