Background
Over the past year, Louie's, a newer charity in the Sunderland area, partnered with Sunderland Volunteer Sector Alliance (SVSA) to implement a strategic action plan aimed at building strong organisational foundations for sustainability and growth. With SVSA's guidance, Louie's focused on enhancing governance, developing operational structures, and increasing income-generation capacity to maximise its impact supporting families with seriously ill children.
Areas of Support
1:1 Support with a Sector Support Development Worker
SVSA's Development Worker provided tailored, hands-on support across key organisational areas:
· Safeguarding and Policy Implementation: Ensured all staff and volunteers received safeguarding training, designated a Safeguarding Lead and Deputy, and developed a formal safeguarding policy and procedures.
· Income Generation and Funding: Conducted a bespoke funding search and assisted with nine funding applications, while developing a comprehensive sponsorship package for local businesses.
· Financial and Organisational Planning: Supported the creation of a full organisational budget, including funding provision for a new Operations Manager role, and structured volunteer roles across core activity areas to improve operational efficiency.
· Staffing Support: Assisted Louie's in employing their first staff member and provided guidance on payroll processes.
Networking and Training Support
SVSA connected Louie's with key organisations across the VCSE sector and provided opportunities to strengthen their visibility and capacity through active engagement and learning:
· Networking Opportunities: Invited Louie's to attend SVSA networking events, creating valuable opportunities to build relationships and collaborate with other VCSE organisations and stakeholders.
· Meet the Funder Events: Enabled the charity to participate in virtual "Meet the Funder" sessions, allowing direct interaction with funding organisations and greater insight into available opportunities.
· Training: Signposted Louie's to specialist safeguarding training to ensure compliance, enhance knowledge, and strengthen organisational resilience.
Funding Support
SVSA's targeted funding guidance led to tangible financial outcomes for Louie's:
· Bid Assistance: Supported the completion of nine funding applications, contributing to financial sustainability.
· Successful Fundraising: Helped secure nearly £23,000 to expand the "Comfort & Connection" project, providing vital support to families with seriously ill children during hospital stays across the Northeast.
When the most recent funding success was confirmed, Shannon Taylor, Operations Director at Louie's, shared her excitement:
"Look what just came through! I can't believe it and can't thank you enough for helping us with this!! I honestly feel like crying I'm so happy. I really couldn't have done this without you."
Outcomes
SVSA's comprehensive support has enabled Louie's to achieve key milestones:
· Secured Funding: Raised nearly £23,000 to grow the Comfort & Connection project.
· Strengthened Governance: Implemented safeguarding policies and improved financial and organisational planning.
· Staff and Volunteer Development: Employed the first staff member and structured volunteer roles to enhance capacity.
· Expanded Network: Built valuable relationships with other VCSE organisations and stakeholders.
· Increased Sustainability: Established clear operational foundations to support long-term growth and impact.
Conclusion
SVSA's tailored support has positioned Louie's for sustained growth and greater community impact. By strengthening governance, supporting funding efforts, and fostering key sector connections, SVSA has empowered Louie's to continue delivering vital support to families with seriously ill children across the Northeast.
