Charities get a steer on the road to growth

Charity Bank – the bank that takes savings from individuals and lends solely to social sector organisations – is offering a series of free half-day seminars to help such organisations prepare for investment and growth.

The seminars, called The Road to Growth, are taking place in June and July in London, Nottingham and Leeds. They are aimed at trustees, CEOs and finance managers from charities and other social sector organisation that are seeking to sustain and grow their impact.

The seminars will consist of small and focused round-table workshops with experts and practitioners from social sector organisations. The seminar will provide inspiration, tools and practical insights on a wide range of topics, including: 

• NCVO analysis on the state of the sector
• Getting ready for growth
• Deciding whether to borrow
• How to present your organisation to funders
• Contracting and collaboration
• Overview of investment readiness and other support programmes
• Networking lunch (Noon-1pm)

Carolyn Sims, Charity Bank’s Head of Banking and who will be participating in each seminar, says, “Because Charity Bank is set up to help its borrowers maximise their social impact, rather than for the bank to maximise profit, part of its remit is education. It is clear to us that the more we can help social sector organisations improve their financial knowledge and understanding, the better placed they will be to face the future.

“After a sustained period of economic stress, our figures indicate that social sector organisations are re-gaining their confidence, which is why we are putting on these seminars now.”

The potential value of loan enquires made by social sector organisations to Charity Bank increased by 39% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period last year. That is, up from £52m to £72m.

Social sector organisations facilitating the seminars include Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, Bates Wells and Braithwaite LLP, Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust, East Midlands Councils, Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), House of St Barnabas, Leeds City Council, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), North Yorkshire & East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Mazars LLP, One East Midlands, Queensbury Celtic Football Club, Voluntary Action Leeds and Wrigleys Solicitors LLP, as well as Charity Bank.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all the organisations helping make this a worthwhile series of events,” says Sims, “as well as to our hosts in London, Nottingham and Leeds – Mazars LLP, The Nottingham Mechanics and St George’s Centre respectively.” 

Places on The Road to Growth seminars are free, but limited. For more details and to book, visit www.charitybank.org/road-to-growth.

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