Resources & Fact sheets
SUSTAiN’s range of free fact sheets offer advice, information and guidance on some of the key topics and issues faced by voluntary organisations. We hope you find them useful. Remember, SUSTAiN has specialist advisors ready to support your organisation, one-to-one for free – see our support page to learn more.
Business support
- CSR – ways in which local businesses could support your organisation
- CSR Brochure - Brochure for businesses supporting community organisatons
Commissioning
- Commissioning – an overview of what it is and isn’t
- Commissioning top tips – easy ways to make the most of commissioning opportunities in Solihull
Equality & Diversity/Community Cohesion
- Equality diversity and cohesion – why making sure your organisation is inclusive matters
Funding
- Funding Central - a FREE online tool provided by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) to help you find sources of funding from over 4000 funders. It includes grants, contracts, loan finance and more and is a simple and easy tool to use.
- Applying for funding – easy to follow steps for a successful funding bid
- Funding dos and don’ts – essential good practice and pitfalls to avoid
- Maximising your income – handy hints for increasing your chances of securing external funding
- Social Enterprises – what they are and how you might go about setting one up
Legal
- Data protection – simple guide covering the key principles of the act
Organisational Planning
- Organisational planning – how a good plan is fundamental to your organisation’s survival
- Recession-proof your organisation – important tips for survival
- Taking stock of your organisation – some critical questions to get you thinking
People Management
- How to motivate a team – a guide to getting the best out of your people
- Motivating teams top tips – practical steps that really work
Performance and Quality
- Performance management – a simple six step process for achieving full potential in your organisation
- Quality Assurance – an overview of PQASSO, practical quality assurance system for small organisations
- Monitoring and reporting– 12 principles for funders and organisations
PR & Marketing
- Why marketing matters – how harnessing the power of marketing can enhance your organisation’s growth and stability
- Raising your profile – top tips for getting your name known
- Planning your promotion/marketing planning – 8 key questions to ask to get the most out of your publicity
- Free PR and Marketing resources – even more free support for charities and voluntary groups
Using the media
- Press releases – how press releases can help to raise your profile
- How to write a press release – step-by-step guide to writing a successful press release
- Press interviews – hints and tips for dealing with the media
- Press contacts – how good relationships with the media can help your organisation
Websites & online marketing
- Getting the most from your website– yes your organisation can come top in Google!
- Website accessibility – the facts, the law and your website
Printed promotions
- Leaflets and flyers – not the same thing, but equally powerful tools for promotion
- Designing a flyer – how to make a flyer that gets noticed
- Designing a leaflet – get to grips with what makes a good information leaflet
Trustees and Governance
- Code of conduct for trustees – template outlining trustee responsibilities
- Trustees and governance – things to consider when dealing with your board or management committee
Volunteering
- Involving volunteers – from recruitment and selection to induction
- Volunteer management – getting the most from your volunteers
