1. The Wheel Campus Engage Building Networks December 2013

2. The Wheel’s Research 2012 From the INKEx Report, we know that In 2009 there were at least 11,700 non-profit organisations employing over 100,000 people, involving over 560,000 volunteers in their work and managing turnover of €5.75bn. 8000 of these are recognised charities

3. Sector is young and formal Sector is very diverse: some question whether there is a “sector” at all The majority of organisations are companies limited by guarantee with charitable status that are under 25 years in existence, with over 20% less than ten years old. Most of Ireland’s community and voluntary organisations are young, and formal

4. expenditure Three quarters of organisations have expenditure of less than €1m per anum So they are small too

5. income 50-60% the sector’s income comes from statutory grants and contracts, with a quarter coming from individual donations They are mostly state funded in some way, supplementing this funding through earning income or raising funds

6. Income is decreasing Almost 60% of organisations have experienced a decrease in income over the last three years, with 60% of these experiencing a decrease of between 11- 25%. They are under financial pressure

7. Beneficiary numbers Two thirds of non-profits have seen an increase in beneficiary numbers over the last three years They are facing increasing demand

8. Shared Priorities for CV Organisations Staying in operation: Diversifying income and raising funds Cutting costs – doing more with less Finding new ways of working: Collaborate Focusing resources on what matters: Outcomes for groups and people served Partnership-working & Advocacy challenge Governance: changing public attitudes

9. Shared challenges So, there a lot of small, young, community based organisations in Ireland dealing with similar challenges involved in raising and managing public funds, and working in very diverse areas Sounds like a network where organisations can learn from one another’s practice, share insights, and benefit from collective voice when the occasion demands it, might be a good idea!

10. About The Wheel The Wheel is a national organisation that represents and supports community, voluntary and charitable organisations in Ireland. The Wheel exists to help change people’s lives for the better. We do this by helping community and voluntary organisations get things done, more efficiently and more effectively. An independently governed, membership-based organisation, we represent our members’ shared interests to Government and other key decision-makers, and promote better understanding of the vital work they do. Founded in 1999 Currently 930+ member organisations across Ireland A database that allows us to communicate with over 10,000+ more Reflects the enormous scope and scale of a vibrant and diverse sector. 10

11. The Wheel responding: Strategy 2012-2015 Four strategic themes will shape our efforts over the next four years: 1.Progress to build a fair and just society 2.Ensure the community and voluntary sector is recognised and valued 3.Develop the community and voluntary sector 4.Enhance the effectiveness of The Wheel

12. Recognising and valuing the CV Sector Maximise the effectiveness of the community and voluntary sector’s voice so that the sector’s importance is recognised by the state, the political system and other sectors.

13. Developing the CV Sector Foster excellent leadership within the sector. Promote quality and excellence in the community and voluntary sector to deliver better outcomes for people. Maximise collaborative working in the sector

14. Supporting our members to meet their challenges providing training and information in the areas of funding and fundraising, good governance, risk management, measuring impact, communicating effectively, advocating well and developing good strategy.

15. Brief history of the wheel - what do you offer – why people want to get on board… What works/facilitators when building a national network What are the barriers What’s the difference in building a local and national network - think about this in terms of HEI locally and what Campus Engage is trying to do at a national level Best methods of communication How do you see The Wheel working with CE into the future?

16. What works/facilitates when building a national network Campus engage is a network of educational institutions who wish to collaborate around a theme – community engagement - but who also compete with one another too So, some stresses and strains will need to be managed

17. Competition Influence Funds Clients/ Customers

18. What Works when building a network? Clarity around goals / objectives –Raising awareness of importance and benefits of community engagement? (whose awareness?) –Third level institutions (particular people within?) –External stakeholders (community orgs?) –Sharing resources/learning on best practice? –Straightforward networking / connecting –Collective advocacy on policy change required to develop community engagement?

19. What works? Barriers? Add value and be useful Avoid duplication (some will be inevitable) Use the network: everyone should lead in some area of work, especially where they have expertise – builds sense of shared ownership Commit to quality in whatever you do Maintain trust: declare conflicts of interest or loyalty Agree clear actions to achieve objectives Keep communications open – no cabals

20. Benefits for communities? Access to people with skills and knowledge who can do particular pieces of work Access to research capability and capacity Access to networks of influence and support Building awareness of causes Developing future supporters Developing powerful coalitions for change

21. What works with external stakeholders? Work with established “local” geographic partners AND national “thematic” partners Local - volunteer centres; partnership companies; community groups; community and volunteer forums Thematic – Disability groups, Environment groups, Young people’s groups, Carers’ groups, Older people’s groups; national networks and federations

22. Questions and Answers

23. Conclusion Thank you! Email ivan@wheel.ie to get more involved in our advocacy work on behalf of the sectorivan@wheel.ie