Community organisations connected directly with funders to access support, advice and real funding opportunities.
Connecting Community Organisations with Funders
Our Funding Fair brought together community organisations and funders for a day of networking, advice, and opportunity.
Held at Hyson Green Youth Club in Nottingham, this in-person event created valuable connections between groups seeking support and funders ready to back community-led projects.
The day featured keynote speakers from established funders including Community Wealth Fund, Pathway Fund, East Midlands Combined Authority, The National Lottery Community Fund, Phoenix Way, and Key Fund. Each shared their priorities, funding criteria, and what makes a strong application.
Direct access to funders is rare for grassroots organisations. The Fair provided dedicated time to discuss project ideas, ask questions about eligibility, and gain insights that strengthen future applications.
Networking formed a crucial element.
Participants connected with other community organisations facing similar challenges, shared experiences, and built relationships that extended beyond the event.
The drop-in format meant groups could engage at their own pace, spending time with funders most relevant to their work.
This informal atmosphere encouraged honest conversations about funding realities, challenges, and opportunities.
Organisations at different stages of development found value. New groups explored foundational funding for establishing themselves. Established organisations discussed growth funding, partnership opportunities, and diversifying income streams.
Funders represented diverse funding types: grants, loans, community shares, and hybrid models. This breadth helped groups understand the full range of financial support available beyond traditional grant programmes.
The Fair demonstrated BASE 360’s commitment to practical support.
Beyond workshops and resources, connecting groups directly with funding opportunities creates tangible pathways to sustainability.
Whether you attended the Funding Fair or missed this opportunity, the connections made and insights shared contribute to a stronger, more connected VCSE sector across the East Midlands.
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