The VODA Funding Fair, taking place on Tuesday, 28 January, 10am–2pm at the Linskill Centre, offers VCSE organisations a fantastic opportunity to connect with funders. While bookings for one-to-one appointments with funders have now closed (the deadline was 31 December), we’re excited to announce additional drop-in opportunities at the event.
These drop-in sessions are open to all —no booking is required. Please note that funder appointments remain strictly pre-booked, but you’re welcome to visit any of the following stands for informal chats and expert advice:
Big Issue Invest and North East Combined Authority’s New Flexible Social Finance Fund
Are you considering repayable finance to support and grow your organisation? Are you looking to develop your trading revenue to complement or rebalance your grant income?
Big Issue Invest, in partnership with the North East Combined Authority, offers the new Flexible Social Finance fund, launched in September 2024. This fund is designed for socially trading organisations that create demonstrable social impact, providing repayable finance to support their growth and sustainability.
Operating across England, Big Issue Invest focuses on helping organisations enhance their trading revenue to complement or rebalance their reliance on grant income. In the North East, the partnership with the North East Combined Authority ensures tailored support through this innovative fund.
Visitors to the VODA Funding Fair can drop by the Big Issue Invest stand for an informal chat to learn more—no booking or obligation is required. Additional details are available at Flexible Social Finance or via the North East Growth Hub.
Explore New Income Streams for Your Organisation with Junction Point
Are you looking to reduce your reliance on grants? Visit Junction Point CIC at the VODA Funders Fair to learn more about generating an income stream for your CIC, social enterprise or charity.
Junction Point supports purpose-led organisations, including social enterprises, to develop income through products or services. Even a small idea can grow into a reliable, unrestricted funding stream that you can use however you want to meet the needs of your participants.
There’s no need to book—pop by their stand for an informal chat. The team will be happy to discuss your ideas and explain how they can support you in building a more sustainable future for your organisation. Find out more at www.junctionpoint.co.uk/
Find Out More About the Grow & Eat Grant
Vicky from the Grow & Eat project will be at the Funding Fair to answer all your questions about the Grow & Eat grant, which helps community groups and charitable organisations set up or improve a community garden for their members. She will see organisations on a first-come, first-served basis. www.voda.org.uk/our-projects/grow-eat/
