We are hosting the next discussion space for VCSE organisations to meet and discuss what organisations currently need from a venue as this may have changed due to the impact of Covid-19. This meeting is a space for VCSE organisations to discuss their current venue needs, what challenges they may have had when re-opening organisational venues and to find out what asks and offers are available from VCSE organisations in Manchester.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 27 April at 11am and will take place via zoom. This meeting is open to any VCSE organisation working in Manchester and you do not need to have attended previous events to attend. If you would like to attend the meeting or for more information email: [email protected]

The charitable arm of Matrix Law, Matrix Causes Fund is offering grants to registered charities in the UK for projects which will promote access to justice, equality of opportunity or a sustainable environment. There are two levels of funding available: one-off grants of up to £5,000 and grants of up to £3,000 a year for three years. The funders are particularly interested in hearing from applicants working with vulnerable groups, including prisoners, asylum seekers, people with disabilities and women in refuges. Deadline: 11 April, 5pm

The Manchester City Council Work and Skills Team and Manchester Adult Education Service are looking to commission a voluntary sector organisation to deliver a ‘test and learn’ pilot project which seeks to engage with and support residents from communities experiencing racial inequalities, to move them closer to employment. The barriers to employment for these groups are varied, and whilst some people may choose not to work, others may want to but lack skills, language and confidence. They are keen to work with an organisation who can engage and work with women of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage. £15,000 is available. Deadline: 14 April

The Road Safety Trust provides funding to public and professional UK organisations for projects that are innovative and will enhance the knowledge and practice of the road safety community. Funding for projects which contribute to a reduction in road-related deaths and injury. The Small Grants Programme supports projects on their way to making a tangible difference on the roads, with the Spring round focusing for the first time on supporting previously funded and completed projects to the implementation stage. Grants of £10,000 to £30,000 over two years are on offer. Deadline: 26 April

The Arnold Clark Community Fund provides financial help to community groups and charities that had been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Arnold Clark Community Fund is open to all UK-registered charities and local community groups who fall into their eligibility criteria. The fund is also open to community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations and social enterprises. Successful applicants will receive up to £1,000. Deadline: 30 June

Not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply for funding to deliver projects and activities that benefit Card Factory colleagues and communities where Card Factory stores operate. The Card Factory Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 to not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver projects that support Card Factory colleagues and communities where Card Factory stores operate. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Fundraising website easyfundraising is giving your voluntary organisation, charity, or CIC the chance to win up to £50 every day between 4-17 April 2022 – just by spinning the wheel. When anyone connected to your organisation Spins the Wheel, they could win you anything from 10p - £50 every day. To take part, your organisation needs to register with easyfundraising first – as well as being able to play Spin to Win, your organisation can also access free funding from thousands of online retailers, through the easyfundraising platform. Make sure your organisation is registered with easyfundraising so you can take part.

Are you a Voluntary, Community or Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisation working in Manchester? If yes, the Our Manchester VCS Grants Team want your views on a new Our Manchester VCS grants programme, to launch in the Autumn of 2022.  There are three different ways you can join in the conversation: Come to one of the in-person engagement events in April; Attend one of the virtual engagement events in April; Complete the online survey by 4 May.

For the last three years Cheetham Hill Advice Centre (CHAC) has been delivering two streams of advice services funded by the Reaching Communities strand of The National Lottery Community fund and The Henry Smith Charity.  CHAC is commissioning two independent evaluations of these projects to look at the outcomes, the impact and any lessons that can be learnt from this work. The total cost of the work is £6,000. Deadline for expressions of interest: 18 April, 10am

Proud 2 b Parents is an inclusive organisation for all routes to parenthood. Proud 2 b Parents are run by and deliver services for LGBT+ parents/carers to be, LGBT+ parents/ carers and their children living in Greater Manchester. During the month of May where International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBiT) is recognised Proud 2 b Parents are offering a series of Continuing Professional Development accredited training sessions for open booking. The sessions will allow the participant to reflect on their practice, whilst developing their understanding of the needs of LGBT+ parents/ carers and their children.

Healthy Me Healthy Communities (HMHC) are looking for 2-3 complimentary food partners who are passionate about tackling food insecurity to join their neighbourhood food hub at Gorton Central, Gorton Community Centre. HMHC are looking for: Grocer/pantry style projects that make a reasonable charge for the food (HMHC are not looking to partner with projects that offer free food); Enhanced food offers like fresh, healthy meals and meal kits; Your ideas are also welcomed. Come along to and Information Event on 25 April, 2pm-3.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm at Gorton Central. Deadline for expressions of interest: 29 April

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership has commissioned instant access digital mental health support across Greater Manchester for everyone aged 10+. These services provide free, safe and anonymous online mental health support whenever you need it. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7. Kooth.com for ages 10-25 and Qwell.io for ages 26+. A series of Eventbrite sessions have been organised throughout April for all professionals to attend to find out more about Kooth and Qwell.

Manchester Vineyard have space available at the 422 Community Hub (422 Stockport Road, M12 4EX), which includes a large upstairs hall with 200 chairs, ground floor and basement meeting rooms and office space with capacity for between 5-20 people. Cafe and kitchen space only available for hire after 4pm Mon-Fri, or anytime at weekends. Accessibility details: Only ground floor accessibility via ramp. (lift to be installed to give access to upstairs space and basement). For more information email: [email protected]

Applications are now open for Action for Conservation's free Summer Camps. Action for Conservation are trying to reach as many young people as possible who might be interested in this adventure of a lifetime. Action for Conservation are looking for young people, aged 12-16, who are based in England and Wales, to join them on their residential Summer Camps in three of the UK's most amazing national parks this July and August 2022. Deadline: 2 May

> Introduction to Systems Leadership
   6 April, 10am - 1pm, Online  

> Uncertain Futures: Women in leadership
   6 April, 4.30pm - 5.45pm, Online

> #WeStandTogether Difficult Dialogue: COVID-19 and
   Young People's Resilience
   12 May, 6pm - 7.30pm, Hybrid (Online and in person at
   Bury Town Hall)

> Free NAVCA webinar: Equality, diversity and inclusion:
   boards and trustee responsibilities
   14 April, 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Online

> NCVO webinar: Safeguarding essentials in charities
   21 April, 10am -3pm, Online

> Free Step Up and Flourish Together workshop: Managing
   finances and pricing – social entrepreneurs
   25 April, 4pm - 6pm, Manchester Institute of Health and
   Performance

> Network and Communications Worker – Manchester
   Homelessness Partnership at Macc
   Salary: £25,991 per annum | Hours: 35 hours per week |
   Deadline: 4 April

> Refugee, Asylum and Evacuee Manager at Manchester
   City Council
   Salary: £48,981 - £52,417 per annum | Hours: 35 hours
   per week | Deadline: 12 April

Our funding search engine is a straight forward FREE service using information from IDOX Information Solutions that can help voluntary, community, social enterprise sector organisations like yours to find suitable funding. By becoming a member of Macc you will gain access to our free funding portal of funding opportunities.

Please note: To be eligible to access our funding portal you must be a voluntary, community, social enterprise sector (VCSE) organisations working in the City of Manchester with at least 50% of your beneficiaries in the City of Manchester. VCSE organisations working outside of the City of Manchester, consultants, sole traders, statutory bodies, private businesses and infrastructure organisations who become members of Macc aren’t eligible to access our funding portal. To sign up to become a member of Macc and to access our funding portal, complete our membership form

If you need any help with using the funding portal please email us: [email protected]