Start date and end date: August – December 2023
Dorset Youth values, supports and champions the local voluntary sector as they work to strengthen the local community. Their focus is on individuals and organisations working with children, young people and families, and they offer personal, practical and purposeful support.
Challenge:
Dorset Youth’s 0-25 VCS Forum (with over 300 members) wanted to respond to a need frequently raised by its members around funding, capacity building and sustainability. Lynne Rockey, 0-25 VCS Forum Project Officer contacted our friends at GRIN to ask for support and Paul Tucker kindly signposted Lynne to MMC.
Our role:
MMC met with Lynne and Mike Bennett CEO and discussed their needs in depth. It was agreed to produce a 2-hour live and recorded training session and 1-hour mentoring sessions for 6 people to have 121 support.
Process: The MMC team brought their expertise of being a CEO of a small charity, sole fundraiser and mentee.
Learning objectives for the training were:
- Update in knowledge.
- Determine the funding mix for your organisation.
- A practical guide to developing a case for support.
Outputs:
- Training session delivered for 17 attendees with slides and handouts.
- 6 x 1 hour mentoring sessions for 6 mentees.
- Insight on further support needed by attendees was shared with Dorset Youth.
- Follow-up conversations with some mentees.
- Regular meetings with Dorset Youth to manage the process.
Outcomes:
- Training rated 4/5
- 82% of attendees said the training helped them.
Client quote/testimonial:
“Helpful overview of how to approach funding for smaller organisations. Particularly liked the idea of making a base document to make applying to different grants and communicating what we do easier in the long run.” Training attendee.
“I came away having had a useful conversation about successful grant applications and further ideas on categories of fundraising. Very relaxed and friendly.” Mentoring attendee.
“We were thrilled to partner with MMC in addressing the vital needs of our 0-25 VCS Forum members. Their expertise has provided our community with invaluable training and mentorship, equipping our organisations with the knowledge and confidence to navigate funding and sustainability challenges. Together, we are fostering a stronger, more resilient network that will empower our children, youth and family services for years to come.”
Mike Bennett – CEO Dorset Youth
