At the FSI we’re all about supporting the small charities who work right across the UK to build happier, safer and more supportive communities.  All of these charities are about to move closer together with the launch of the FSI Community, an online community aimed at the staff, trustees and volunteers that make our sector tick.

This Thursday we will be launching Stage 1 of the Community, allowing you to come online and create your individual user profiles.

Later in the month, as we roll out Stage 2, the options widen:

- You can build your charity profile page and tell other users about the extraordinary work you do

- Search for other organisations that work in your area or on the cause that matters to your charity

- Chat with individuals who do a similar job to yours about the challenges you face and ways in which you might be able to help with one another

- Learn more about the FSI and the trainings or support programmes that may be of most benefit to you

- Download exclusive support content developed by the FSI and aimed at helping you to build a strategic, sustainable charity operation

So get online this Thursday and check out the best new online solution for small charities, delivered free-of-charge by the FSI.

If you haven’t applied yet I urge you to do so now – this is such a valuable programme for the scholar, their charity and the sector – so apply now!

Application form

Guidlines

On launch day we will send you details to register (it is a quick and painless process!) so you can get online and join the network of small charities.  There is a forum on the site for your feedback so that as the Community evolves it best reflects the needs of all the small charities using it.

So make sure you keep some time free next Wednesday to sign up for this great new initiative!

Key things for participating charities to remember:

• ALL tickets must be sold for £2

• Tickets must not be sold to under 18 year olds or vulnerable persons

• You must stop selling tickets by 6th September 2010

• You must send all unsold tickets, ticket stubs and money to the FSI by 20th September 2010 or the ticket numbers will not be entered into the draw and the sales will be void

• The FSI is the license holder (licensed with the Gambling Commission; no. License number 019816-R-302937-001 (remote) and 019816-N-302938-001 (non-remote)) and promoter of this lottery and this fact must be stated in all advertising.

• Advertising must be conducted in a legal manner – please see information on the Committee of Advertising Practice website www.cap.org.uk/cap/advice_online/advice_online_database/

• Tickets cannot be sold on the street and it is the responsibility of the charity to ensure that ticket sales are conducted in a legal manner

• You must be a small charity to benefit from this lottery – this is a 100% not-for-profit organisation with an annual raised voluntary income of £1.5 million. If the charity is not of this income size and a winning ticket is picked, it will be null and void. The FSI will make random spot checks on size of charities participating. If you wish to find out more information about small charities and why the FSI supports them, please do get in contact.

An interesting piece of research just out from the IoF points out “increased anxiety” amongst charities due to predicted public funding cuts and, more worryingly, increased worry amongst small charities around major donors.
It is natural that after a period of economic instability to take a cautious approach about the immediate future, but there are some key actions to ensure that you keep on track:

Stick to your values

It is your values and your cause that drive a donor to choose you.  Don’t lose touch of that cause, don’t apologise for it, and remember that all the communications your charity does are two-way (don’t forget to listen and ask questions). 
Understand the donor and keep them for life

Understand their needs, keep them informed about your work and where their funds are being spent, be flexible, and remember that stewardship is all important.  Talk to your donors, double check that you’re giving them what they want and make sure they’re happy with what you’re delivering. 

When times are tough think laterally

Explore new fundraising methods or ways to diversify what you already do.

We’re almost there

When the recession began it was predicted that countless charities would be forced to close their doors and that income streams would dry up.  The predictions of universal gloom didn’t transpire – and here we are on the other side of it, still going strong.  It is time now to remember that your donors and supporters have stuck by you because they are passionate about your cause, share your values and love the work that you do.  With that in mind perhaps it is time to talk to them about how far you have come together and what the future may hold. 

And remember

If you don’t ask you don’t get!

At the FSI we’re here to support you.  If you are worried about the economic environment and think your charity could benefit from some additional support then check out our upcoming trainings and Workshop programme.  Sometimes all you need is a refresher to give you some new ideas and confidence to make the maximum impact.

The new scheme marks the first time Children in Need have run a UK-wide small grants programme and is aimed predominantly at organisations which have not previously considered applying. The programme is open to any third sector organisation working with children and young people under the age of 18.

There will be four funding rounds with deadlines on: 15 January 2010 15 April 2010 15 July 2010 15 October 2010. It is expected the total funding for both the small and large grants schemes will be in excess of £38 million in 2010 and will be administered through seven regional bases.

The director of grants and policy at Children in Need, Sheila Jane Malley, explained the programme would seek to fund well-organised projects which can demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm: “The first thing we look at is benefit for children and young people. Is the organisation clear about what improvements it wants to bring about, and is it clear about how it can do it?”

For more information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants/general_grants.shtml

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The FSI is currently recruiting runners for the 2010 Bupa London 10km; the route, which takes in many of London’s greatest sights, runs from Birdcage Walk, along the Thames, through the City, and back to The Mall. 

Running for the FSI, you support the vibrant network of small charities that work across the UK to deliver essential services in every community.   We’d love you to join us to help make a difference for these charities and to experience the fun of the Bupa 10km.

The Bupa London 10km is on Bank Holiday Monday 31^st May 2010.

We have a limited number of places in this year’s Bupa London 10km and if you think you’re up to it, please register your interest by completing and returning the application form to jess@thefsi.org by Monday 15th March 2010.

BUPA 10k 2010 – Application Form

FSI and You

If you haven’t yet decided, take a look at the ‘FSI and You’ document to find out more about us and what it’s like to run for us and take a look at the Bupa 10km website to find out more about the run. http://www.london10000.co.uk/site/.

CAROLINE GRIFFIN, WORLD DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT

JODY HALSTEAD, AFRICAN REVIVAL