The Leicestershire VCSE Funding Fair was a virtual event and all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations based in the county were invited to attend on Zoom and speak to local and national funders who were actively investing in community groups in their area.
The funding fair gives organisations the opportunity to talk to potential funders, learn about the current funding programmes and how VAL can help in the funding application process for bids.
80 representatives from 71 local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations attended the event that was held over a four and a half hour session. Attendees attended presentations or had a pre-booked 15 minute slot with the relevant funders that they wished to discuss their projects with.
A total of 7 funders were present: Charity Bank; Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation; Severn Trent Community Fund; The National Lottery Community Fund; SHIRE Community Grants and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire staff were also available to discuss anything related to training, group development and volunteer recruitment.
Some Feedback from attendees:
We have learnt a lot, I now know that we have to include so many extra things that we need to do to change our work and move forward. Thank you very much for organising its been really helpful.
Thank you all for your time. Its been very useful, not just from a funding source perspective but also learning about the support you provide.
We got the chance to speak to more funders this time round, thank you for organising it all it was nice to see you all again.
I have spoken to a few of the funders and they have been really keen to help and support us and the good thing is that they are really keen on giving us other ideas and options of funding with their experience and help you along the way its been really good, Thank you.