In March 2023, we launched our inaugural Pulse survey, and between July and October we completed our second iteration of the survey. Your responses were compared with what we found previously, as well as wider findings gathered on a National level.

One of the concerning results was that almost half of VCSE organisations and groups said that they would be forced to put on hold certain services or projects if key challenges were not resolved. 

We have a shortened infographic summary of the results as well as the full written report below:

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to community groups for projects that will help people to save money, keep their homes warm and access warm community spaces this winter.

Projects eligible for support include, but are not limited to:

The Community Organisations cost-of-living fund is now open. This funding is for organisations that support people and communities under severe pressure because of the increased cost of living.

The main priority is to fund organisations supporting low-income households and individuals. You can apply for between £10,000 and £75,000.

To apply your organisation must already run critical services around at least one of the following:

In March 2023, we launched our inaugural Pulse survey. Your responses painted a concerning picture for the sustainability and vitality of many third sector organisations in Bristol. 

Since then, we have presented the results to key stakeholders at the One City Gathering. Earlier this year, we also hosted our Cost of Living and Inequalities Conference, bringing together third sector organisations with local funders. The data you provided empowered us to advocate for the sector to decision-making bodies. 

Last week marked Small Charity Week, a chance to say thank you for all the small charities that have been working hard to ensure communities are supported, and to raise awareness of the importance of supporting them through donations, fundraising and volunteering.  

This week plans were announced to expand the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme in England into social care – this will involve a drive to recruit volunteers to take on social care tasks such as delivering medication or tackling isolation and loneliness via social visits.  

At the end of March Voscur hosted the Cost of Living and Inequalities Conference, bringing together leading voices from across the city to share insight, understand challenges and plot pathways forwards through the current economic climate.

As a result of this work, a manifesto has been produced - this has been created by voices within the VCSE sector and is designed for those with an active interest in the VCSE sector (funders and commissioners) as well as the communities that the sector serves. 

At the end of March Voscur hosted the Cost of Living and Inequalities Conference, bringing together leading voices from across the city to share insight, understand challenges and plot pathways forwards through the current economic climate.

One of the in-progress outcomes from the conference is a manifesto, which will consist of commitments and asks, to be taken to funders and networks to work towards making positive change happen.

UK Youth and Pears Foundation have launched a Cost of Living unrestricted grant programme to support youth organisations delivering high quality youth provision whose work is being hindered, curtailed or cut back due to rising core costs or a need to address unprecedented demand. It's open to organisations with a turnover of less than £500,000 and grants will approximate to 10% of turnover. 

Localgiving has teamed up with National Grid Electricity Distribution to tackle fuel poverty this winter. They are distributing grants of up to £10,000 to non-profits and local authorities who are working on this theme. There is £2.5million worth of grants available until 31st of October and the application process is very simple.

Eligibility