There are more than 5,000 voluntary and community sector organisations in North Yorkshire, providing a broad range of local services to all kinds of people and supporting community action.
Voluntary and community groups also provide many of our cultural, sport and leisure opportunities. Most organisations are charities, some employ specialists, but many are informal volunteer based groups.
North Yorkshire's strong voluntary sector plays a crucial role in our quality of life and in strengthening the fabric of our local communities.
Help and support for voluntary and community organisations
Funding
Grants and other types of funding are available to voluntary and community organisations, from local councils, the National Lottery and charitable trusts. This type of funding is generally project based and separate from sources of income that help with the day-to-day running of an organisation.
Grant-giving organisations usually provide details for applicants, such as setting out the grant criteria; the application process; the information they need from you; and how and when they make their decisions. Some will offer pre-application discussions or interviews. If they do, take them up as the advice can save you a lot of time and unnecessary expense.
Voluntary and community organisations in North Yorkshire can access free advice and guidance on funding issues from Community First Yorkshire.
The Two Ridings Community Foundation provides grants for local community and charitable groups across North and East Yorkshire.
Partnership working
Good partnership working is vital, and the North Yorkshire liaison group meets to facilitate better partnership working between the public and voluntary and community sectors.
The North Yorkshire compact is a written agreement between the voluntary and community sector and the public sector, detailing how they will work together for the benefit of communities.