Workshop set to open up new funding streams

NO matter how progressive a community focussed initiative may be, sourcing the finance to bring the kernel of an idea to fruition can all too often prove to be a major stumbling block.

With this in mind a free workshop taking place tonight (Thursday) at 7pm the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown will be of keen interest to community bodies and charity organisations operating across the North Cork region.

Hosted by Ballyhoura Development, the event will address issues including the long-term financial stability of service providers, the need for them to source new and diverse income sources and how groups can positively adapt to the changing Irish funding landscape.

Aptly entitled ‘Financing Your Community & Social Enterprise Project’, the workshop will be delivered by Hugh O’Reilly the director of business development with The Wheel.

A national representative body for the Irish community and voluntary sector, The Wheel had a proven track record of delivering information and training supports to the sector for almost 20-years.

Inspired by The Wheel’s ‘Financing Your Future Good Practise’ guide, the workshop will give participants a greater understanding of their financial needs and help analyse the ability of groups to achieve their goals based on projected incomes.

The second element of the workshop will explore the more innovative and effective approaches to income generation for non-profit organisations, using The Wheel’s ‘ Ten Step Framework for Action’.

“This event will be of huge interest to local community groups wishing to ensure their future viability,” said a Ballyhoura Development spokesperson.

“It will be ideal for fund-raisers, finance managers, senior staff, board/committee members of not-for-profit bodies and others tasked with securing the sustainability of their respective organisations.”

Pre-booking is essential and can be done through David O’Grady, development officer with Ballyhoura Development on 063 91739.