7 Dec 2007 - Funding Success Ensures Bright Future for the VCS in Three Rivers
Charities throughout Three Rivers can now look forward to even better support services after a massive cash boost from the Big Lottery Fund.
The Centre for Voluntary Services in Three Rivers has been awarded almost £500,000 of funding over the next five years. This will enable it not only to survive but to improve the services already offered to the charitable community in the district.
"We would have had to close after Christmas if the Big Lottery Fund had not come through with this vote of confidence in us," said Mary Green, executive director of the CVS.
"Instead we can now start work on establishing a dedicated training service for our members, providing a one-to-one funding advice service and re-establishing a dynamic Volunteer Centre in Three Rivers."
The CVS in Three Rivers is one of only two organisations in Hertfordshire to be shortlisted for the Big Lottery Fund's Building and Sustaining Infrastructure Services
Programme (BASIS). The original application was made in summer 2006 and the rigorous application process finally came to fruition when a committee approved the plans to bring new and improved services to Three Rivers this week.
"Even the smallest voluntary organisations have to negotiate a minefield of laws and regulations these days from correct accounting to health and safety and many, if not most, do not have the resources to tackle these issues without help. That's where an organisation like the CVS can step in and offer help," said Mary.
"We are delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has once again shown its confidence in us and its support for the wider voluntary and community sector in Three Rivers with this grant.
"We can't wait to put all our plans into action and hope that our members will soon feel the benefit."
CVS member organisations are also happy about the grant. Christine Wyard, Manager of Ascend in South Oxhey, said:
"It is fantastic news that Three Rivers CVS has been awarded this grant.
"This will ensure that they can continue their superb work in the local community."
The Centre for Voluntary Services in Three Rivers has been awarded almost £500,000 of funding over the next five years. This will enable it not only to survive but to improve the services already offered to the charitable community in the district.
"We would have had to close after Christmas if the Big Lottery Fund had not come through with this vote of confidence in us," said Mary Green, executive director of the CVS.
"Instead we can now start work on establishing a dedicated training service for our members, providing a one-to-one funding advice service and re-establishing a dynamic Volunteer Centre in Three Rivers."
The CVS in Three Rivers is one of only two organisations in Hertfordshire to be shortlisted for the Big Lottery Fund's Building and Sustaining Infrastructure Services
Programme (BASIS). The original application was made in summer 2006 and the rigorous application process finally came to fruition when a committee approved the plans to bring new and improved services to Three Rivers this week.
"Even the smallest voluntary organisations have to negotiate a minefield of laws and regulations these days from correct accounting to health and safety and many, if not most, do not have the resources to tackle these issues without help. That's where an organisation like the CVS can step in and offer help," said Mary.
"We are delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has once again shown its confidence in us and its support for the wider voluntary and community sector in Three Rivers with this grant.
"We can't wait to put all our plans into action and hope that our members will soon feel the benefit."
CVS member organisations are also happy about the grant. Christine Wyard, Manager of Ascend in South Oxhey, said:
"It is fantastic news that Three Rivers CVS has been awarded this grant.
"This will ensure that they can continue their superb work in the local community."
The Centre for Voluntary Service in Three Rivers has been running on reserves since the last three year funding grant from the Big Lottery Fund came to an end in May 2006.