Resources, links and sources of further information for community buildings and village halls

Below you will find links to websites which you may find useful. Scroll down to see the topics.

  • Funding sources
  • Governance, policies and templates
  • Community business support
  • Volunteering
  • Sustainability / resilience / conservation
  • Sources of data
  • Training
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Arts and heritage

(DCT do not endorse or regularly check the content of these sites)

If you would like more bespoke support we have resources, templates and knowledge to share. Please get in touch with our Community Building and Village Hall Advisers at: info@devoncommunities.org.uk  /  01392 248919

 

Village Halls and community buildings

ACRE Action with Communities in Rural England. Speaking up for and supporting rural communities.

 

Funding sources 

Devon County Council Funding News The latest information on funding opportunities for businesses and communities in Devon.

Charity Excellence  Grant Funding, Policies, Help and Resources. Free to use, requires user to create a login.

GRIN Grants Resources Information News. A social enterprise that works with not-for-profit organisations. Subscription required.

National Lottery Community Fund Funding for projects and activities that transform communities, protect our heritage, and enrich lives.

Biffa Award Gives grants to projects that benefit communities living near landfill sites. Check your eligibility.

Get grants Free resource for grant fundraisers with information on hundreds of grant funders, including what they fund, how much they give, and how to apply.

Heritage Funding Directory   Free guide to financial support for anyone undertaking UK related heritage projects. 

Devon Community foundation  Supporting small and local charities and community groups across the county.

ECOE Community Fund Community Fund to address the twin challenges of Climate Emergency and Social Justice. Proposed projects must have an energy or carbon reduction focus and demonstrate positive community impacts. Eligible organisations from Exeter, Mid Devon, East Devon, Teignbridge and Torbay can apply for an award of between £500 - £1000. Application deadline 15th December 2024.

Governance, Policies and Templates

The Essential Trustee Charity Commission free publication on what's required of a charity trustee, including your responsibilities to your charity.

Charity Commission Guidance and information, setting up and registering a charity, online services, find a charity.

Charity Governance Code A practical tool to help charities and their trustees develop high standards of governance. 

Policy templates Devon Voluntary Action's selection of guides, templates and frameworks to help you define your practices and procedures.

Employer templates ACAS example letters, forms, policies and HR documents for employers.

 

Community Business support

Plunkett Foundation UK charity that supports people to set up and run a wide range of businesses which are owned by local communities.

Heart of the South West Growth Hub Free business advice and support services for established businesses and those looking to start-up in Devon.

DCC Business Support Projects Links to Devon business support projects such as food, farming, entrepreneurship, products and services.

East Devon Tourism Network Find our about the new initiative for East Devon tourism businesses and sign up to express your interest.

 

Volunteers

National Council for Voluntary Organisations Support and guidance for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups.

Devon Connect Online community hub for community and voluntary organisations, and volunteer opportunities.

Devon Voluntary Action A partnership organisation which provides individuals, not-for-profit groups, and social enterprises with the support they need.

Involving volunteers in your organisation Guidance to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers.

 

Sustainability / Resilience / Conservation

Devon Community Action Groups Supporting community projects to reduce, reuse, recycle, share, repair, compost and be all round sustainable.

Devon Climate Emergency Understanding climate change and resources for communities to create a resilient net-zero Devon.

Devon Community Resilience Forum Supporting communities to develop their community emergency plan.

Transition Network Information and support for working towards low-carbon, socially just, resilient and caring communities.

Recycle Devon A resource for Devon residents to find out about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.

Energy Saving Devon Energy saving advice, plans, tools and support.

East Devon National landscape Information on their management plan, initiatives and community projects. 

Wild East Devon East Devon's nature reserves, news, what's on and volunteering.

Devon Wildlife Trust Information and opportunities to help protect Devon's wildlife.

Center for sustainable enERGY Making improvements to energy efficiency in community buildings. 

 

Sources of data

Office for National Statistics National research, data and analysis.

Census 2021 Results of the 2021 census, national and local population data.

Devon Public Health Dashboard Indices of deprivation, understanding deprivation and analysis. 

 

Training

Devon Communities Together Face to face and online courses for businesses, community groups, social enterprises, charities and individuals in Devon.

Arts and Culture East Devon Arts and culture related training including fundraising, marketing, volunteer recruitment and governance.

NFP workshops Training Courses for Charities, Schools, Healthcare and Public Sector Organisations.

Get grants  Training, information, and advice that fundraisers with all levels of experience can take away and put into practice.

 

Health and Wellbeing

Devon Health and Wellbeing Devon County Council reports and information relevant to health and wellbeing in Devon.

The Joy App Social prescribing tool, links to services.

Devon Wellbeing Hub Wellbeing support for statutory services, and frontline workers, including Voluntary and Community Enterprise working in health and social services.

 

Arts and Heritage

East Devon Heritage Strategy Plans, aims and objectives of the strategy.

Arts and culture east devon Network connecting the creative communities of East Devon.

Arts Council England   Advice, resources and funding for organisations, artists, events and others involved in creativity and culture.