It’s September, which means one thing…. the kids are back to school, and we get our routine and very busy work diaries back!
After enjoying the summer holidays, getting back into the swing of things can often be a struggle. Where to start and trying to remember what is on the never-ending to-do list is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.
But worry not.
We’ve compiled a list (not exhaustive) of some of our top resources for small charities, from guides to free templates, funding opportunities, and more.
We know the high demands placed on charity managers and trustees. One day you will develop strategy and finalise bid proposals: the next, you’re the admin person, the finance team, and even your own fundraising department.
We also understand that as a small charity, you will be working with limited resources and budgets, especially in the run-up to Christmas, which is why, with the help of these resources, we can help keep you and your teams moving forward into the New Year.
Supporting small charities with big ambitions
Governance Support
The big one. The one we should follow to ensure compliance and high standards in Governance. Providing extensive information relating to the seven elements that form the foundation of good governance, the Charity Governance Code should always be the first port of call.
From how to recruit Trustees to the roles and responsibilities of Board members, what good Governance looks like, and more, the Beyond Profit blog continually provides updates, hints and tips, and small bitesize information about good charity governance.
How can you increase your impact and remain sustainable in a digital world? Providing you with a wide range of information and guidance regarding digital, this resource is perfect for charity managers, trustees, and charity boards.
Helping to support effective Governance, the Charity Excellence Framework provides extra support when you need it most. From management checklists to funding databases (an invaluable resource), you can also connect with other industry specialists who offer further free advice and support.
5-minute guides for charity trustees
These short refresher guides cover the most important charity management elements. A great resource to provide additional reassurance and peace of mind. Continually updated, these guides cover areas such as decision-making, conflicts of interest, and more.
As a membership community, the NCVO supports charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups, from starting up and tools to help you run an effective charity to effective Governance and how this can be maintained. From support with strategy, funding, Governance, and more, the NCVO plays a significant role in influencing and shaping policy within the charity sector.
Business Support Resources
With limited marketing budgets and no full-time design team to rely on, Canva will soon become your new best friend. Helping you to achieve professional-looking designs, whether for posters, logos, flyers, etc. Canva has free templates and designs to suit all. In fact, they have over 250,000+ free templates!
Communications experts Media Trust Resources provide advice, guidance, and free templates on how to produce blog posts, press releases, and more. Working with charities to help boost digital and communication skills across the sector; Media Trust Resources help to bring small charities into the digital spotlight.
With a range of great resources available from Google, their FREE online sessions, webinars, and digital courses help develop your digital skills and are great training tools, especially if you have to be the digital team within the organisation too!
By registering your charity (for free) with Making a Difference, every time someone opts to purchase a card, whether this is for birthdays, Christmas, an Anniversary, etc., the customer can choose a charity to support with all donations from the sale of the cards going directly to the charity. A simple yet effective marketing tool.
Shopping online just made us feel even better with Easy Fundraising. As the biggest charity shopping site, customers can choose to download the app, set up an account, select the charity they would like the donations to go to, and start shopping. A great way to collect donations from supporters.
Small Charities Networking & Advice
A growing Facebook group where charity managers and trustees can come together to help support each other and share advice and tips. Encouraging a community where charities work together and collaborate, creating opportunities to work toward much bigger things.
Podcasts and informal sessions that encourage open and honest conversations with those who work in and with the charity sector. Bringing people together these are behind-the-scenes conversations, with discussions surrounding some of the most prevalent issues affecting small charities to highlighting some of the best parts about working for a small charity.
As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic charity landscape, at Beyond Profit, we believe collaboration, sharing best practices, and learning from and talking to each other will remain key.
That, and having some great resources all in one place!
If you’re aware of other valuable resources, we’d love to know about them too. Email us at [email protected].
