WCVA launches new feature on its funding website

WCVA has launched a new online resource which will help Wales’ 30,000 voluntary groups access up-to-date information on funding sources and options to keep achieving - and hopefully exceeding – their fundraising targets.

Every year the third sector in Wales raises a phenomenal £1.2 billion. The Wales Third Sector Funding Portal is a one-stop shop for funding advice and opportunities and can be accessed by visiting WCVA’s Sustainable Funding Cymru website - www.sustainablefundingcymru.org.uk.

The funding portal provides access to a searchable database of over 4,000 UK funding opportunities, advice and support on raising funds and tips on how to diversify funding. The funding portal is a brand new resource for third sector organisations in Wales and has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Some of the features include a ‘funding search’ facility which makes it easier for groups to find out about funders from Europe, government, lottery, charitable trusts and corporate sponsors. For those who have little or no fundraising experience, the ‘new to funding’ section provides a wealth of information, from getting started in fundraising to setting budgets for small groups.

There are details of various funding and finance options available to the sector, including grants, giving, loan finance and earning income through contracts and trading. There is also the latest information on funding and tendering opportunities and where to find further help and support.

The funding portal has been designed and developed by WCVA's Sustainable Funding Cymru (SFC) team. The SFC project is funded by the Big Lottery in Wales and has been at the forefront of enabling the Welsh third sector to become more financially sustainable for almost three years. SFC equips the sector with the skills and information to diversify its funding mix and work towards long-term financial sustainability.

‘The funding portal will ensure that third sector organisations in Wales will have access to the most up to date, relevant and comprehensive information possible on funding advice and opportunities’ said Sara Carroll, Funding Advice Officer. ‘It aims to assist third sector organisations in becoming more effective in fundraising and help them work towards a financially sustainable future’.

To access the funding portal please visit www.sustainablefundingcymru.org.uk