February marks LGBT+ History Month 2025, and this year’s theme, 'Activism and Social Change', highlights the powerful contributions of those who have fought for equality, as well as the work still needed to create a truly inclusive society.

At NCVS, we are proud to support Nottingham’s voluntary and community sector in championing diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion. LGBT+ History Month is a time to reflect on progress, learn from the past, and engage with local events that celebrate and support the LGBT+ community.

This survey closed to responses on Wednesday 22 February 2025, keep an eye out for further Waves

The VCSE Data and Insights Observatory is inviting you to take part in the newest wave of the VCSE Barometer Survey.

This quarter, the focus is on the financial challenges facing our sector, including the impact of rising costs like the National Living Wage and National Insurance.

There are application deadlines throughout the year, it is recommended to check before applying

Runspire Nottingham’s new youth initiative combines fitness, music, and fun to inspire young people. 

Below are two consultation opportunities for our voluntary sector to engage with. 

Nottingham City Safeguarding Adults Board - Draft Strategic Plan 2025 - 2028

The deadline for feedback is Friday 3 January 2025, 10am

Nottingham City Council has a strategy (plan) to support survivors of domestic abuse; it is called the Safer Accommodation Strategy. As part of this strategy, Nottingham City Council wants to talk to and listen to domestic abuse survivors. 

They want to understand:

The deadline for applications is Sunday 16 February 2025

Better Community Business Network (BCBN) has grant funding of up to £3,000 for non-profits, charities and small but credible community projects that are able to demonstrate their positive impact on their communities. 

The grant criteria is quite broad, but you must be able to demonstrate how your project will benefit your local community.

Click here to take the grant eligibility quiz

In the latest of his musings about volunteering, NCVS Volunteering Development Officer Dave Thomas, picks up on the hottest topic of the moment.

In her latest blog, my colleague Helen Oparinde, reports on a speech by David Holdsworth, the Charity Commission’s new CEO. He touched on the continuing downward trend in volunteering but didn’t offer any solutions.

Helen Oparinde, NCVS Group Support Coordinator, takes time out to virtually attend the Charity Commission’s annual public meeting on Tuesday 26 November 2024, and shares with us some key points discussed.

Role of the Charity Commission

The Charity Commission is the registrar and regulator of charities in England and Wales. Parliament has given them five statutory objectives, which are to:

Our Volunteering Development Officer, Dave Thomas, takes a peek at volunteer contributions and the copyright laws that go with them.

Volunteers often bring creativity and innovation to organisations, but their contributions can also raise important questions about copyright. Understanding and addressing these issues proactively can protect both the organisation and its volunteers while fostering a positive and productive working relationship.