Sources of information and support for voluntary organisations and community groups
This page contains details of useful local organisations that provide funding information, infrastructure support and capacity building for voluntary sector organisations and community groups in Sheffield.
OFFER: Open Forum for Economic Regeneration
4th Floor The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, S1 4FW
Tel: 0114 253 6730
OFFER was established to assist the myriad of local voluntary, community and faith groups to have a voice and influence in the Sheffield First Partnership. This local strategic partnership brings together a range of public and private bodies, such as the City Council, Police, Health Service, representatives of the local business community and the voluntary, community and faith sector to develop a co-ordinated approach to the regeneration of the city.
OFFER's key activities include:
- supporting individuals from the voluntary, community and faith sectors on various Sheffield First Partnership Boards,
- developing networks, partnerships and forums so groups of people and organisations can come together to have a collective voice,
- liaising with other partners involved in this activity, such the City Council, to create structures and ways of working that enable the voluntary, community and faith sector to be fully involved.
Quaker Meeting House
10 St James Street, Sheffield, S1 2EW
Tel: 0114 275 7390
The Quaker Meeting House provides accessible rooms for hire in a central location. They can also provide equipment and refreshments by arrangement.
SCEDU: Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit
53 Mowbray Street, Sheffield, S3 8EN
Tel: 0114 281 2222
SCEDU was established in 1995 to meet the increasing need for business support to new and developing social enterprises in Sheffield. It was also instrumental in establishing the Keyfund which manages a budget of £10 million distributed to social enterprises and community organisations across South Yorkshire. SCEDU offers a range of facilities and services including:
- advice on all aspects of setting up social enterprises,
- training,
- business units to rent;
- conference facilities.
Help Yourself (Sheffield Community Information Service)
Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ
Tel: 0114 273 5929
Sheffield Community Information Service is part of our Library Services and holds information in the Help Yourself database about more than 5000 clubs, organisations, services and groups operating in Sheffield. Instructions for entering or amending your group's information are the Help Yourself website.
South Yorkshire Community Foundation
Unit 3 - G1 Building, 6 Leeds Road, Attercliffe, Sheffield, S9 3TY
Tel: 0114 242 4294 (grants) / 0114 242 4857 (admin)
SYCF manages a number of different funds that give grants to voluntary organisations and community groups.
SYFAB: South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau
The Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX
Tel: 0114 276 5460 (funding enquiries) / 0114 249 4343 (general enquiries)
SYFAB is a voluntary sector organisation dedicated to supporting local community and voluntary groups to access funding. SYFAB provides free information, advice and training, including:
- details of potential funders for specific projects or areas of work,
- training and informal workshops to develop the skills of organisation and groups to plan and make successful funding applications,
- assists organisations to produce funding strategies, Funding Forum which creates opportunities for local groups and organisations to meet and find out more about potential funders,
- Funding News a free newsletter that keeps groups up to date with current funding information. It is available for download from the SYFAB website.
VAS: Voluntary Action Sheffield
The Circle, 33, Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, S1 4FW
Tel: 0114 253 6600
VAS provides a wide range of services to organisations, including new groups starting up, as well as those that are already well established, including:
- Advice about organisational development and setting up new groups,
- Bookkeeping advice, preparation of annual accounts and payroll service,
- Advice about opportunities for volunteering,
- Legal advice, including constitutions, management committees, legal status, leases, etc.,
- ICT advice,
- Training and workforce development, including short workshops and longer accredited courses, mentoring and action learning sets,
- Information sheets on a wide range of topics.
Voluntary Sector Liaison Team
Sheffield City Council, Town Hall, Sheffield, S1 2HH
Tel: 0114 273 4113
Email: vslt@sheffield.gov.uk
The Voluntary Sector Liaison Team provides information about our Council Grant Funds, Funding News and Funding Forum for voluntary sector organisation and community groups.