The Basis Project is organising its first set of free training, open to all refugee community organisations (RCOs) in London. The planned training sessions will cover fundraising and governance. Further training opportunities on safeguarding children and financial management will be confirmed shortly. Please visit the Basis project website  or e-mail basis@refugeecouncil.org.uk for more information and updates.

Workshop 1: Introduction to fundraising
7 May 2010, 10am to 4pm, Refugee Council, Brixton

Workshop aim:
To provide an introduction to what organisations need to consider when applying for grant funding.  It is for individuals responsible for raising funds in RCOs.

Learning outcomes:

• Increased awareness of sources of funding and investment
• Understanding the importance of fundraising strategies
• Understanding of what contents are required to make a good application
• Greater familiarity with what funders are looking for
• Increased awareness of why applications for funding fail

Workshop 2: Fundraising for £10,000 plus
12 May 2010, 10am to 4pm, Refugee Council, Brixton

Workshop aim:
This workshop will help those developing their skills in applying for funding and in particular those looking for larger amount of funding (over 10K).  It is for those responsible for raising funds in RCOs.  It will complement the previous session.

Learning outcomes:

• An understanding of what is required to make a good large grantapplication
• A familiarity with what funders are looking for in a large application
• Awareness of common mistakes when submitting large grant application
• Increased knowledge of where to look to find funding opportunities
• A better understanding of the planning process required for a large grant

Workshop 3:  Governance
Day one: 27 May 2010, 10am to 4pm, Refugee Council, Brixton
N.B. The second date will be arranged at the convenience of participants.

Workshop aims:
This two-day training is for RCO management committee members and / or coordinators who require a better understanding of the laws that govern their organisations and positions. They will increase their understanding of their legal responsibilities under Charity and Company Law and develop an action plan, based on knowledge gained from the training. Participants will be encouraged to commit time to co-facilitate training for their organisation’s staff and management committee members (with support from the Basis Project)

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the legal status of your organisation and the legal responsibilities of management committee members.
• Have a good understanding of the main roles, responsibilities and duties of management committee members.
• Enable your management committee to work more effectively and plan for the future.
• Have an action plan and agree time to co-facilitate training with support from the Basis Project for your organisation’s staff and management committee members.
• You will be able to make the best use of and understand your constitution.