Solihull VCFSE Capacity and Development Fund

Overview

To support Solihull’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to invest in their workforce, leadership, and organisational development to improve their sustainability, productivity, and potential for growth.

This fund is designed to enable organisations to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to effectively manage and sustain their services, workforce, volunteers and assets.

The fund does not support service or project delivery.

Who Can Apply

• Any VCFSE organisation operating and active in Solihull
• Funding can support:
  1. Individuals
  2. Teams
  3. Whole organisations
  4. Collaboration of training across eligible organisations
• Includes:
  1. Staff
  2. Volunteers
  3. Managers and CEOs
  4. Trustees

Budget

A total funding pot of £10,000 is available.

Grant levels:

• Maximum award: £1000
• Typical grants: £250–£500

What the Fund Will Support

Grants may include access to:

• Training courses
• Workshops / conferences
• Coaching / mentoring
• Skills development (e.g. SEND, trauma-informed practice, AI)
• Consultancy

Please see Appendix 1 for expected areas of development.

Expected outcomes:

Funding activity should contribute to one or more of the following:

• Increased confidence and skills of workforce
• Increased sustainability in response to risks and challenges
• Organisations are more productive and work efficiently, make better use of resources
• Organisations demonstrate growth and greater capacity and capability

Local Infrastructure Offer

The commissioned VCFSE Infrastructure organisations in Solihull are:

• Colebridge Trust
• Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA)
• Young Opportunities (YO) Solihull
• SMBC Community Development Team (CDT)

These partners provide a coordinated programme of support for the VCFSE sector, including training, advice and development opportunities for both individuals and organisations.

This grant fund is intended to complement and add value to the existing infrastructure offer, not duplicate it.

Applicants should demonstrate that:

• They have considered existing local provision
• The proposed activity fills a gap or meets a specific need not currently addressed
• The request adds value beyond what is already available locally

Additional training and development opportunities are also available through:

• Solihull Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (SSCP)
• Think Active

Application Process

• Application Form
• Rolling application rounds
• Monthly decision-making panels
• First come, first serve

Download the Solihull C&D Fund Factsheet

For further information, please contact communitiesteam@solihull.gov.uk.