Babergh and Mid Suffolk are hosting a free Funding and Volunteering Fair this October for community groups looking to attract more funding and volunteers across the districts.
The Fair, to be held at Henley Community Centre between 10am and 3.15pm on Wednesday 25 October, is open to all community groups, from sports clubs to village hall committees and offers attendees the chance to tap a wealth of knowledge and experience in fundraising and attracting volunteers.
Those wishing to attend can book a place by calling 01449 724 654, or by email.
Representatives from Crowdfunder, Volunteer Suffolk and the Suffolk Community Foundation will be in attendance while specialists from Community Action Suffolk and Suffolk Prohelp will run workshops on “A Practical Guide to the Funding Portal” and “Professional Help with your Projects” respectively.
The Fair also includes an address from Guest Speaker Su Johnston, from Crowdfunder UK, who has successfully run many Crowdfunded projects and will provide real experience and insight into how to engage and raise funding to make a real difference in your community. Crowdfunder UK is a nationwide organisation that allows community groups to raise funds for their projects online from a wide audience of supporters.
Tickets are free and lunch will be included. The deadline to book tickets is Monday 23 October 2017.
Cllr Margaret Maybury, Babergh’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “There are some really inspirational groups in Babergh, such as Shotley Heritage and Hadleigh’s Calais Street skate park, that have achieved great things in both fundraising and recruiting volunteers: they show what can be accomplished by even small groups with a big idea. This Fair will help other groups work towards the same success, and show that all our communities have the power to shape their towns and villages.”
Cllr Diana Kearsley, Mid Suffolk’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “With so many grassroots organisations popping up in our district, Fundraising and Volunteering have never been more important. I encourage everyone who can to attend the Fair on the 25 October and to learn how they can raise the funds and recruit the people to turn their ideas for their communities into reality.”