Join the PSD Network
NCVO's Sustainable Funding Project (SFP) and its Public Service Delivery Network (PSDN) help third sector organisations develop a sustainable funding mix.
What is sustainable funding?
Sustainable funding is begins with strategic planning and takes into account the spectrum of income streams available. This can range from donations and grants through to contracts and trading. Loan finance can also be used to develop capacity and invest for the future.
The Income Spectrum (pdf 474kb) shows the range of income options available to voluntary and community organisations.
What makes funding sustainable?
To be sustainable, funding needs to be:
- Stable: It’s important to have a mix of income streams so that if one diminishes it doesn’t threaten your organisation’s viability overall.
- Suitable: There are a wide range of funding and finance options which are appropriate for different situations. Understanding what each can offer, and ensuring there is a good match between your objectives and the type of funding or financing you are seeking, is essential.
- Sufficient: There never seems to be enough money, but understanding your costs properly allows you to make informed decisions about accepting contracts or undertaking project work.
To find out if your organisation needs to develop a more sustainable funding mix, use the NCVO Sustainable Funding Toolkit (PDF format) to analyse the breakdown of your income and assess whether a more diverse approach could be of benefit.
How can SFP help third sector organisations?
The SFP provides support and information on all aspects of sustainable funding, but third sector organisations might be particularly interested in their work around public service delivery and loan finance. Why not take a look at the following resources:
- The Public Service Delivery Network is for those working in, and with, the third sector with responsibility for negotiating and managing public sector contracts. It is free to join and is supported by publications, an Annual Conference and half day seminars
- Publications such as Before Signing on the Dotted Line- all you need to know about procuring public sector contracts (provide link) and a Brief Guide to Loan Finance for Trustees (provide link)
- The SFP website contains introductory and signposting information on the various elements of sustainable funding
- A free monthly e-newsletter on sustainable funding issues which highlights the latest developments and new services
- Case studies featuring organisations who earn their own income and have used loan finance to grow
- Only Connect is a bursary scheme which pays for your travel to visit an organisation who is already earning income through trading or contracting
Go to www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/sfp for links to all the resources detailed above. If you have any questions you can email [email protected]. If you would like to join the Public Service Delivery Network, email [email protected].