Local groups are invited to workshops

“Even though funding is being cut in many quarters, there is still a significant amount of money available to the voluntary and community sector,” said Council Community Development Officer Robert Stockley.

“These workshops, which are normally only available in Belfast, are designed to help local groups improve their chances of securing much-needed income.

“Participants are expected to come away with a better understanding of what money is available, together with an improved ability to successfully access it. Local groups are advised to attend and take full advantage of this opportunity to learn more about funding and fundraising.”

Having begun on Thursday 20 January and running over four weeks, the workshops are held in Banbridge Enterprise Centre every Thursday evening at 7pm.

The first workshop will look at how groups can raise money at a local level and will provide information on how to develop a successful fundraising strategy using innovative approaches.

At the second workshop, participants will learn how to become better at identifying the needs of their community and accessing statistics for their area. Groups are always asked by funding bodies to demonstrate a need for their project as part of the application process.

The third workshop is designed to help participants understand the application process, complete the application form and improve their chances of being successful. This workshop will also look at typical questions asked by funding bodies as well as how answer these well.

Representatives from several funding bodies will attend the final workshop and give a short presentation on the funding programmes they currently offer. Participants will then be given an opportunity to discuss potential projects with representatives on a one-to-one basis.

With demand for the workshops expected to be high, bookings will be allocated on a first come first served basis. A maximum of two places can be booked per group in the first instance although additional names can be put on a reserve list.