Fundraiser - South Manchester Learning Hubs Network Tender

Manchester City Council are inviting proposals from interested freelance individuals or consultants to submit proposals to secure this piece of work to research funding sources, draft and develop bids and draw down funding for an active network of learning hubs in South Manchester who deliver on the city’s employment and skills priority agenda.

This project aims to:
1. Provide evidence of the funding opportunities available to voluntary sector employment and skills organisations
2. Identify and secure funding to continue core activities
3. Leave a legacy of sustainability through securing funding, supporting organisations and building their capacity to seek future funding opportunities

This project is targeted at eight learning hubs in the South Manchester Learning Hubs Network. These include:
1. Levenshulme Inspire
2. Barlow Moor Community Association
3. Westcroft Community Centre
4. Community Minded, Old Moat Sure Start
5. Ladybarn Community Association
6. JNRR8, Whalley Range
7. Fallowfield Library
8. Burnage Library

This time-limited project will build upon the existing work of the Learning Hubs Network which aims to strengthen community based adult learning in South Manchester. It will provide an opportunity to work on an intensive basis with a selected cohort of groups who are in a position to develop their role as service providers. This work will link in over a six month period with other capacity building support being provided such as volunteer development.

The successful applicant will work closely with the eight key voluntary organisations and community groups to deliver in depth and tailored support to identify apply for and secure ongoing funding. In some cases this will involve undertaking an organisational assessment to identify the needs of the individual organisational and feeding back the findings to South Manchester Regeneration in order that Manchester City Council can work with the organisation to address those needs. In other cases this may include actual bid writing on behalf of groups.

The hours of work with each of the learning hubs will be determined within the limitations of this contract and agreed with South Manchester Regeneration following an initial evaluation of the needs of each organisation.

To discuss any of the issues from this brief contact Elaine Mills, Principal Regeneration Officer, South Manchester Regeneration Team, on 0161 234 1500.

Deadline for tender submissions: Friday 29 August 2014