Over the past 6 months, Community & Business Partners (CBP) has spearheaded a transformative initiative to support the Third Sector, which often grapples with accessing essential business resources. Through their Third Sector Peer Group, CBP has provided invaluable guidance and expertise to not-for-profit organisations, fostering growth and resilience within the sector.

The Third Sector Peer Group initiative was made possible through CBPs own CSR initiative and as a not-for-profit company ourselves, we wanted to give back to others in our sector, who are making a huge impact in their world.  The initiative was also supported by CBP members, a group of passionate businesses dedicated to both community enrichment and business growth.

This endeavour epitomises CBP’s ethos of corporate citizenship, harnessing the combined efforts of its members to effect positive change within the community and utilising the business expertise we have through our large business mentor bank and network. By allocating resources towards initiatives such as the Third Sector Peer Group, CBP and its members actively contribute to enhancing the social and economic fabric of the communities they serve.

The Third Sector Peer Group initiative featured a series of insightful presentations on critical topics such as fundraising, bid writing, marketing, PR, and strategy. These presentations were delivered by experts who generously volunteered their time to give back to the community. CBP extends heartfelt gratitude to Lewis Alexander Baxter (Kurogo), Paul White (Patch App), Amanda Meachin (Community & Business Partners), Lucie Rohani (Viva PR), Louisa Mayor (Pendleside Hospice), and Karen Morris (Community Foundation for Lancashire & Merseyside) for their unwavering support and commitment.

Throughout the program, 14 not-for-profit organisations actively participated, seizing the opportunity to glean knowledge from industry experts and engage in collaborative problem-solving. Participants not only learned from seasoned professionals but also shared their own challenges and experiences, fostering a culture of mutual support and learning.

The feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive, with Jenifer Wainwright remarking, “The peer group has empowered me and inspired our work, projects, and initiatives.” Stuart Lee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of being in a room with fellow non-profits, exchanging insights, and finding solace in shared experiences.

Amanda Meachin, CEO for CBP, expressed her appreciation for the enthusiastic participation and collaboration, stating, “I’ve dedicated the past 24 years to working within and alongside the not-for-profit sector in Lancashire and Merseyside, and it’s undeniable that times are currently exceptionally challenging. However, it’s been evident for quite some time that our sector has been stretched thin and underfunded, often delivering crucial services with limited resources.

In response to this ongoing issue, we made the decision to provide business support typically accessible to the Private Sector, aiming to challenge the status quo and evaluate its impact. The feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive and inspiring. However, fundamental concerns persist, notably the lack of sustained funding for essential frontline services and the struggle to secure core funding for operational expenses and staffing.

At CBP, we remain steadfast in our commitment to offering support to our Members and Partners across all sectors through our Membership Programme and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. We will continue striving to make a difference and address these pressing challenges.”

CBP is immensely proud of the impact achieved through the Third Sector Peer Group initiative and remains committed to supporting the growth and resilience of not-for-profit organisations. Stay tuned for future peer group opportunities, as CBP continues its mission to empower and uplift the Third Sector.

If you are interested in joining our next Third Sector Peer Group, please email peter.mitchell@cbpartners.org to register your interest.