Guide to the Voluntary Sector --> Voluntary Sector Organisations in Wales
This is a listing of the main voluntary organisations that exist in Wales
Wales Council for Voluntary Action
The website offers a 'wealth of information for and about the voluntary sector in Wales'. It is the first point of call for the voluntary sector in Wales, and contains information on volunteering, grants, training, events, jobs, policy and research, projects, and the latest news and press releases. It also provides funding and policy information from Europe and the National Assembly. The website also contains links to voluntary groups across Wales, and has a listing of publications and fact sheets from the WCVA.
Communities First
This is a long-term strategy for improving the living conditions and prospects for people in the 'most disadvantaged communities in Wales'. The programme aims to involve people of all ages in the process to secure sustainability in jobs, development of skills, physical and environmental improvements, health and well-being gains and reduction in crime. It brings together top decision-makers from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors. Its role is to break down the barriers to community-led regeneration by ensuring programmes and services are delivered in a way that meets the needs and aspirations of Communities First areas.
Big Lottery Fund
The Big Lottery Fund was created by merging the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund. It will hand out half the money for good causes from the National Lottery. The website provides details of how to apply for funding.
Pro Help
ProHelp is a 'Business in the Community' initiative. It is a national network of 1,000 professional firms who give their time and expertise to community groups and voluntary organisations. 108 ProHelp firms have provided professional advice to voluntary and community groups in Wales. There are currently ProHelp groups operating in Cardiff, Ceredigion, Mid Wales, North Wales and Swansea. The website provides details of case studies in Wales, its programmes and regional contact details. The sectors involved in the venture include accountancy, architecture and building services, design and graphics, legal, marketing, media, planning, public relations and property services.
Volunteering Wales
Volunteering Wales is a database to volunteering opportunities throughout the whole of Wales. The search database contains a number of different categories from community work and youth work to overseas activities, and lists organisations and their contact details who offer volunteering work. The website also has details of individual bureaus, and information on the volunteering process in Wales.
Voluntary Sector Skills
Voluntary Sector Skills promotes training and development of staff, volunteers and trustees in voluntary organisations throughout Wales.
Wales Funders Forum
This is a membership organisation and has members from all sectors of funders in Wales: charitable trusts, corporate givers and statutory bodies. Individual members invest money in Wales ranging from £50,000 per year to several million. Membership of the forum gives a unique opportunity to meet, share, develop and learn good practice in funding. The Wales Funders Forum also promote and develop good practice, and fostering co-operation between funders for the benefit of the voluntary sector and the people of Wales.