Empowering Local Communities: Highlights from the BPRCVS Funding Fair

On Friday, 17th May 2024, the BPRCVS hosted a remarkable Funding Fair at our Volunteering for Wellbeing Hub located in the Gannow Community Centre. This event was a significant opportunity for local charities, community projects, and small groups to learn about the myriad of funding opportunities available and to network with like-minded individuals dedicated to community improvement.

A Day Filled with Insight and Opportunity The day commenced with an enlightening presentation from the BPRCVS team.

We detailed the extensive services we offer, the funding streams we administer, and the comprehensive support we provide to small groups within our community.

This was an excellent opportunity for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of how BPRCVS can assist in driving their initiatives forward.

Engaging Presentations from Key Funders

We were privileged to have representatives from several key funding bodies who shared their insights and funding opportunities:

• The Lancashire Environmental Fund: They discussed their commitment to supporting projects that improve local environments, highlighting successful initiatives and the application process.
• The Lancashire Crowdfund: This presentation focused on how community groups can leverage crowdfunding to gain financial support, providing tips on running successful campaigns.
• The National Lottery Community Fund: Their presentation covered the broad spectrum of projects they fund across Lancashire, offering guidance on how to craft compelling funding applications.
  

These presentations were not only informative but also inspiring, showcasing the diverse ways in which funding can catalyse community projects.

Interactive Q&A Sessions and One-to-One Networking

Attendees had the chance to engage directly with funders during the Q&A sessions, where they could ask specific questions about funding criteria, application processes, and project eligibility. Following this, there was dedicated time for one-to-one discussions, allowing for more personalized advice and fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations.

Celebrating Community Efforts

A significant highlight of the event was the opportunity for representatives from various charities and community projects across Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale to come together. This was a moment to share the incredible work being done within our local communities, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and mutual respect as attendees celebrated each other's successes and brainstormed future initiatives.


Positive Feedback and Future Aspirations

The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Here are some of the comments we received:

• "Great event, thank you."
• "Very informative, thank you!"
• "Excellent and informative. Thank you."
• "Thank you. Really relevant and helpful."
• "Very good networking."

These responses underscore the value of such events in empowering community groups with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the day.

Looking Ahead The BPRCVS Funding Fair is just one of the many ways we strive to support our community. We remain committed to providing the resources and guidance needed to help local projects flourish. Stay tuned for more events, workshops, and opportunities to come together, learn, and grow.
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Thank you once again to all our funders, speakers, and participants for making this event a resounding success. Together, we are making a tangible difference in our communities.