Greggs’ Post

Our latest #VitalSigns report finds #philanthropy could play a greater role in delivering economic opportunity for all. In the first of a new series of Vital Signs reports which will take the pulse of the region, the Community Foundation highlights that despite challenging economic times, #giving and philanthropy could do more to build a vibrant and inclusive economy in North East England. While the region lags much of the United Kingdom on key measures of prosperity, 'Vital Signs North East: Economy' is optimistic about the region’s economic potential. It highlights renewed commitment to close the performance gap between English regional economies, in combination with progress on devolution, as creating opportunities for a more prosperous future. The report acknowledges the private sector will drive economic growth, alongside public sector investment, but argues that if everyone is to benefit, charities and community organisations – backed by philanthropy – will need to be actively involved, ensuring community engagement, responsible development and full inclusion. You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eQWRSaa6

Samfundssind. Have you heard this Danish word? In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged all Danes to show samfundssind, which means Consider the needs of society above your own. The concept is related to what researchers call social capital. High levels mean you feel connected to and trust your fellow citizens more. Not Danish? You can still do it. With community engagement and volunteering, you set a good example and strengthen communities by inspiring others to do the same. Don't have the time? Make this one simple shift. In your future disagreements, ask people to “help me understand your perspective”. Feeling understood builds trust. And trust is at the core of social capital. It's amazing how a word buried in history helped Danes mobilise during the pandemic, flattening the curve and lifting community spirit. So, will you show samfundssind?

Feeling that your country is being destroyed can be deeply distressing. Here are some steps you can take as a concerned citizen: 1. **Stay Informed**: Educate yourself about the issues facing your country by seeking out reliable and diverse sources of information. 2. **Get Involved**: Participate in community and civic activities. Join local organizations, attend town hall meetings, and engage in discussions to understand different perspectives and contribute to solutions. 3. **Advocate**: Use your voice to advocate for positive change. Contact your elected representatives, write letters, sign petitions, and use social media to raise awareness about important issues. 4. **Vote**: Exercise your right to vote in all elections. Encourage others to vote as well. Supporting candidates and policies that align with your values can bring about change. 5. **Volunteer**: Offer your time and skills to support causes and organizations that are working to improve the situation. This can include charities, non-profits, and grassroots movements. 6. **Educate Others**: Share information and resources with friends, family, and your community. Encourage informed discussions and promote critical thinking. 7. **Build Community Resilience**: Strengthen your local community by fostering connections, supporting local businesses, and working together on community projects. 8. **Promote Dialogue**: Encourage open and respectful dialogue between people with differing viewpoints. Understanding and empathy can help bridge divides and find common ground. 9. **Self-Care**: Take care of your mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in activism can be exhausting, so it's important to balance your efforts with self-care to avoid burnout. 10. **Stay Hopeful and Persistent**: Change often takes time and persistence. Stay hopeful and continue working towards your goals, even when progress seems slow.

Greetings to the humanity. Happy New Year to our partners and everybody. We pushed so hard to get to this level in 2023. Our NGO was registered in 2023 and it brough a lot of excitement to start and run one. As such we pushed hard to reach this level where we are. But being newcomers in the sector, we encountered numerous challenges, particularly raising funds for our operations. At times it was just disaster while certain times it looked promising, but nothing could come out. Very little finance was realized in 2023 making the implementation of our programs difficult. With the new year comes new energy. Based on the challenges we met on the way in 2023, we are devising strategies to overcome some of the challenges we saw on the way. One thing we have learnt is the importance of Income Generating Activities in sustainability. We plan to engage our partners at a different level in the direction of mobilizing resources to start IGAs. We strongly feel IGAs are so powerful a tool towards sustainability of community development project. We also understand that focusing on one specific community development issue is important for achieving greater impact in communities we serve, as such we have resolved to push our energy and resources towards tackling Gender Based Violence as a main activity of our established NGO. We Thank everyone for the support we received in 2023 and request for more support and supporters during the year 2024. respondzambia@gmail.com, +260976484004

Does your organisation want to grow in 2024? 🌱 Growth requires the willingness to 'embrace' change. 🌱 Waltham Forest Community Hub has embraced many changes... https://lnkd.in/eW3HkYWS * we pivoted to pick up increasing needs due to the cost of living crisis (providing more housing advice & introducing 1-1 energy warmth advice), * reviewed our fundraising strategy and increased our focus on raising funds (increasing income by 12%), * our Trustee Board doubled the number of trustees, * we restructured and increased our leadership capacity, * we won the Prestige Community Centre of the year Award and were a nominee of a Charity Times Award. * What an incredible year! 🌱 My greatest learning has been to say 'NO' to sitting on Tables that don't support our charity or serve our purpose. 🌱 Our energy & time is precious. Since capacity is so limited in small charities to prevent you from burnout: 1️⃣ put your greatest attention to cutting back by saying 'NO', 2️⃣ Ask for more money from Funders, Sponsors & Donors and 3️⃣ Be innovative about increasing capacity. Our Trustee Board has 2 Vice Chairs. 🌱 If you are unlikely to get core or capacity building funding, look for solutions outside the box. 🌱 I'm relieved to start the year with Trevor Duberry JP as Co-chairs of the Waltham Forest VCSE Leadership Group. 🌱 I intend to only be where I can make the greatest difference! #charityceos how do you intend to be more strategic this year? #leadershipmatters #walthamforest #smallbusinessgrowth #creatingchange

From my experience in working with governments, philanthropists, NGOs and the private sector, I have observed that a common mistake philantropists and others make, is to view a problem through a narrow lens, find a solution and then try to take the solution to scale for impact. In reality, we need to rather focus on building a supportive network for communities by ensuring inclusivity at every level and build the agency of people through the process together. This drives a congruency of purpose towards the systems change we need. See the Community Ownership model I have proposed and most often use in my work - just published by NORRAG.

Giving for Change programme activities focus on three core areas: 1. Community level: Giving for Change promotes community philanthropy through action research, peer learning, and small grants. It empowers communities to build local assets, agency, and trust, enabling them to organize resources for local priorities. 2. National level: Giving for Change aims to advocate for state and other stakeholders' support in integrating community philanthropy into national development strategies. This involves creating conducive environments for giving and strengthening multi-stakeholder networks and alliances. 3. Global level: Giving for Change actively participates in sector-wide discussions and debates in philanthropy and international development. Its goal is twofold: to influence these sectors and to foster more equitable partnerships. These partnerships aim to redistribute power and resources to grassroots levels, promoting the flourishing of community philanthropy. Learn more: https://shorturl.at/XizO6 #KCDFimpactingcommunities #communitydevelopment #communityvoiceandphilanthropy All followers

It can be challenging to give back to a world that feels like it's done you wrong, I know. But believe me when I say: it's a powerful pathway for growth. Try organizing or participating in projects that address local needs—food drives, neighborhood cleanups, or volunteering at shelters. Community service can build you up as well as others! How will you uplift your community? #RBMitchell #community #growth #personalgrowth

🌍 When Profits Over People Creates Chaos: Time for Change! 🔄✨ When profits are prioritized over people, chaos can disrupt our lives and communities. But there's hope—embracing the principle that giving more means receiving more can transform our society. By supporting each other and fostering community cooperation, we can replace chaos with care and profit with partnership. 🤝💖 Imagine a world fueled by mutual support instead of mere profit, where community well-being leads to real wealth. Let's work together to make this vision a reality. 🌟🏘️ Let's create a future where we all thrive together in a truly supportive community! 🌎🤗 👉 Ready to join in building a stronger, more caring community? Click here to learn how: (https://lnkd.in/gJQ7Q4aC). #TeleforceSystems #CommunityFirst #GiveMoreReceiveMore #Unity #TogetherStrong #HelpingHands #SocialChange #PositiveImpact #KindnessMatters #SupportEachOther #BuildCommunities #HeartOverProfit #PeopleOverProfits #CommunityCare #ShareTheLove #BetterTogether #SocialGood #CommunityOverCompetition #ActOfKindness #CommunityBuilding #CommunityLove #StrengthInUnity #CommunitySupport #LoveThyNeighbor #ChangeMakers #MakeADifference

Exciting News from Woodside (Croydon)!  Floating Counselling Community was funded to open up a Community Hub in Croydon, to support residents by the residents. We're thrilled to introduce the *Woodside Community Hub*, a vibrant heart of support and growth in our beloved neighbourhood. Our mission? To empower every resident not just to survive but to *thrive*. Growth & Support for All: At Woodside Community Hub, we believe in the power of community. From weekly educational workshops to health, wealth, housing and wellness professionals at hand, we offer various resources to uplift everyone. Innovation & Collaboration: Our hub is a breeding ground for innovation, encouraging residents to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that benefit our community and beyond. A Stronger Community: By fostering a culture of support and inclusivity, we're not just strengthening individual lives but building a stronger, more resilient #Croydon. Join Us in Making a Difference: Whether you're a resident, a local business, or someone who believes in our cause, there are countless ways to get involved. Volunteer, participate in our programs, or spread the word—every action counts. Stay Connected: Follow us (https://lnkd.in/eg4cysqV) or ( (https://lnkd.in/eB7MZTes) to stay updated on upcoming events, success stories, and ways you can contribute to making #Woodside a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Every Tuesday 1-3pm Woodside Baptist Church 27 Spring Lane SE25 4SP #WoodsideCommunityHub #Empowerment #Innovation #CommunitySupport #ThriveTogether #CommunityDevelopment #LocalImpact #SocialGood #Volunteering #Nonprofit #Sustainability #EducationForAll #HealthAndWellness #CommunityEngagement #InclusiveGrowth #PublicService #SocialInnovation #CommunityOutreach #EmpoweringCommunities #StrongerTogether