GAVCA offers funding support to charities and voluntary groups in the Cotswolds

Cotswolds-based charities and voluntary groups are being urged to take advantage of support being offered to improve the way they prepare funding applications to trusts and grant-making bodies.
All groups, including those new to writing funding applications or organisations frustrated at their lack of success with funding bids, are invited to attend a meeting on Thursday 31 January between 2 – 4pm at Cotswold District Council offices, Trinity Road, Cirencester.
The first hour of the meeting will be led by Mary Boucher from Gloucestershire Association for Voluntary and Community Action (GAVCA), who will explain what funders expect to see in a funding application. The remainder of the meeting will be a more general discussion about funding and how to identify suitable funding pots.
Places are limited to ten and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book a place contact Mary Boucher Tel 01242 227737 or email MaryB@gavca.org.uk
Several village hall committees, a youth group, sports club and a health support group have already signed up to attend.
"Writing funding applications is a skill which needs to be learned and developed.  Holding a meeting like this provides the opportunity for fundraisers within a charity or community group responsible for writing funding bids to come together and share and learn from one another," said Mary Boucher.
"Don't struggle with funding bids on your own, come along and improve your knowledge and motivation at the same time," she added.