Master Fundraising in Challenging Times – Training & Tea with DVA

Facing the Future Together: Introducing DVA’s Fundraising Masterclass
With the recent cuts to discretionary funding announced by Derbyshire County Council, charities, community groups, and voluntary organizations across Derbyshire face an unprecedented challenge. At Derbyshire Voluntary Action, we’ve heard the concerns of our members loud and clear. The question is: how do we keep delivering vital services with reduced financial support?

In direct response to the needs of our members, we are thrilled to launch our Fundraising Masterclass Training & Tea series, kicking off in January 2025. This series is designed to equip VCSE groups with the tools and confidence to unlock new funding opportunities, align their missions with funder priorities, and craft standout applications that make an impact. Join us online for a bitesize training session that will set you up for the year!

Meet Your Trainer: Anna, Fundraising Expert
Anna has always been interested in how we can make a real difference to the world. When she began working for Citizens Advice in 2006 she started to learn more about what was needed in communities, and came up with the same issue again and again. “So how do we make these things happen?” Her work is the answer to that question.

With nearly two decades of experience and a proven track record of working with over 30 charities and not for profit organisations, Anna is a powerhouse in the fundraising world. As a seasoned fundraising consultant and bid writer, Anna’s passion lies in empowering small and medium-sized charities to thrive without their own dedicated fundraisers, especially in the face of adversity. She specialises in work tackling deprivation and poverty and currently manages all aspects of grant fundraising for several charities. Anna knows what it takes to secure the funding needed to drive change, and it’s that experience she brings to our members.

Her experience isn’t just about writing bids—it’s about helping organizations see their services from fresh perspectives and making them “application ready.” This series is your chance to learn directly from an expert who’s been in the trenches and knows how to navigate the funding landscape in challenging times.

What’s in Store?

  1. Unlocking Opportunities – Finding grant funding in challenging times 7 January 2025
    Discover how to track and find opportunities when funders close their doors. Learn how to navigate challenging times and uncover possibilities you may not have considered before.
  2. Mission Possible – Aligning with funder guidelines 14 January 2025
    Tired of squeezing your services into narrow funder criteria? This session will teach you how to view your work through different lenses to match funding opportunities effectively.
  3. Vision to Victory – Being application ready 21 January 2025
    Avoid last-minute panic! Learn how to create a plan for upcoming applications and be prepared to tackle deadlines with confidence and efficiency.
  4. The Perfect Pitch – Crafting a standout application 28 January 2025
    From intimidating word counts to vague questions, crafting a funding application can be daunting. This session will help you overcome those challenges and present your work with clarity and confidence.

Why This Matters
The recent funding cuts are a stark reminder of how critical it is to secure the resources needed to sustain vital services. This training series isn’t just a response to the challenges we face—it’s a proactive step toward a stronger, more resilient voluntary sector in Derbyshire.

Save Your Spot
Booking for the Fundraising Masterclass Training & Tea is open now, so be sure to secure your place today. Together, we’ll turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that Derbyshire’s VCSE sector remains to provide hope and support for our communities.

📅 Starts January 2025
📍 Location: Online
💻 Cost: Free for DVA Members

Let’s build the future of Derbyshire’s voluntary sector, one successful application at a time.

Posted in Save Our Sector, TrainingTagged in , , , , , ,

Training & Tea: The Secrets of Marketing Success

Unlocking Your Marketing Potential: 4-Part Training Series with Kevin Karaca from The House Outside

Marketing is crucial for voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations looking to stand out and thrive. Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is excited to offer an exclusive 4-part training series designed to help VCSE members sharpen their marketing skills. This invaluable opportunity, hosted by DVA and presented by Kevin Karaca from The House Outside, will focus on building solid marketing foundations to amplify your organisation’s reach and impact.

Kevin from The House Outside, has worked extensively with organisations across various sectors, bringing expertise that is accessible, practical, and engaging. This series will provide actionable insights to help your organisation connect more effectively with its audience.

Session 1: Identifying Your Audience

Dive into one of the most critical aspects of marketing: understanding your audience. Knowing exactly who you are speaking to is essential to delivering messages that resonate.

Session 2: Developing a Strong Brand

Understand what a brand is and the importance of a strong brand. This goes beyond just a logo—it’s about creating a consistent unified voice, vision, and identity that reflects your organisation’s mission and values.

Session 3: Creating Strong Visuals

Visual content is powerful. Introducing Canva, a user-friendly design platform that allows even the most design-challenged individuals to create stunning visuals. Whether it’s social media graphics, posters, or flyers, seeing the basics of Canva will show how effective visuals can elevate your organisation’s message.

Session 4: Using Social Media Effectively

Social media is an indispensable tool for reaching new audiences, but it can feel overwhelming. Break down strategies for using platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram effectively.

Who Is This For?

This training series is designed specifically for members of Derbyshire’s VCSE sector, including members of DVA and the Derbyshire Community Hubs Network. Whether you’re just starting out in marketing or looking to refine your existing strategies, these sessions will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to make your organisation stand out.

Why Attend?

With Kevin Karaca’s expertise and The House Outside’s innovative approach, this series promises to be a game-changer for your organisation or group.

Don’t miss this chance to learn how to take your marketing efforts to the next level. Strengthen your brand, engage your community, and expand your reach by joining this essential training series.

Posted in Derbyshire Community Hubs Network, News, TrainingTagged in , , ,

Join Us for the Next Series of Training and Tea: Empowering the VCSE in Derbyshire!

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming series of our much-loved Training and Tea sessions, brought to you by Derbyshire Voluntary Action! These bitesize online training sessions are designed to empower the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Derbyshire by providing valuable skills and knowledge in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Why Training and Tea?

Our Training and Tea sessions offer a unique blend of professional development and informal networking, so put on the kettle and enjoy a cuppa and settle in for some great training. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the sector, these sessions provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills, share experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Meet Our Trainer: A Specialist in People, Team, and Organisation Development

We are thrilled to welcome back Andrew Deighton from AWD Development Solutions for the upcoming Training and Tea series! With 26 years of experience at a FTSE100 company, Andrew brings a unique blend of expertise, specialising in team and organisation development, coaching, and leadership enhancement. Andrew designs and facilitates workshops, away days, and training sessions to help individuals and teams achieve their highest potential.

What Makes Training and Tea Special?

Expert Speakers: Learn from industry experts with years of experience in the VCSE sector.
Interactive Format: Engage in discussions, Q&A sessions, and group activities that enhance learning.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers from across Derbyshire, share insights, and build lasting relationships.
Relaxed Environment: Enjoy a cup of tea while you learn together online, making for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.


Who Should Attend?

These sessions are open to all members of the VCSE sector in Derbyshire, including charity workers, volunteers, trustees, and anyone interested in making a positive impact in their community. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, update your knowledge, or simply network with others in the sector, Training and Tea has something for you. If you’re part of a Community Hub we’re especially eager to see you there and grow our network.

Upcoming Sessions: What’s in Store

  1. Building and Developing Exceptional Teams
    Date: August 27, 2024
    Time: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Discover a practical framework to build and develop a high-performing team. We’ll focus on key areas to prioritize, saving you time and money by concentrating on what truly matters. The session will conclude with a Q&A to address any specific issues you may have.

  1. Working Styles and Preferences
    Date: September 3, 2024
    Time: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Explore the diverse working styles of your team members and learn how to adapt your approach for more effective collaboration. This session will help you understand your style and its impact on others, with tips on how to flex your style to work more effectively with different personalities.

  1. Dealing with People as a Team Leader
    Date: September 17, 2024
    Time: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Gain insights into the key attitudes, skills, and behaviors that will make you a more effective team leader. We’ll share practical tools and techniques to help you lead your team with confidence. The session will end with a Q&A to address any specific challenges you face.

  1. Coaching Skills
    Date: September 24, 2024
    Time: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Learn the benefits of coaching and the skills needed to be an effective coach. This session will introduce a simple framework to structure your coaching discussions, which you can use to develop your team members’ skills and solve problems collaboratively.

How to Register

Registration is simple and free! Visit the booking link for each instance to sign up for the sessions that interest you. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot.

Join the Conversation

Stay connected and share your Training and Tea experiences on social media using the hashtag #TrainingAndTea. Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for updates, tips, and highlights from each session.

We look forward to seeing you there!

At Derbyshire Voluntary Action, we believe in the power of learning and community. Let’s come together, share a cup of tea, and grow stronger as a sector. See you at Training and Tea!

Posted in News, Training