We at CVS Falkirk want to say THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our very first Virtual Falkirk Funders Fayre – all the funders who presented at different sessions over the 3 days, and every single one of our attendees, whether you joined us for one session, or all 9 of them.

Without you, the event wouldn’t have been possible.

(Image caption: the words “Thank You” in black decorative script, surrounded by dark pink carnations.)

Our CEO Victoria McRae opened on Tuesday by reflecting on unbelievable changes since the last Funders Fayre: “At our recent Forth Valley Third Sector Conference, Aileen Campbell, MSP, mentioned in her keynote speech that there is much recognition and thanks for the third sector and our local communities, who were not only the first ones to respond to those in need, but knew what was needed and willing “to roll their sleeves up” and make it happen.

“We ourselves found that we had a new role to play in supporting groups to access more than £1 million of funding, as well as distributing nearly £3000,000 funding directly to Falkirk groups who were, and are, helping to reduce the burden of the pandemic.

“We know that in order to aid recovery, the sector needs funding: you have the skills and the knowledge of what it takes to support your clients and address inequalities in your communities and that’s why it was really important for us to continue to hold our Funders Fayre.”

The theme of this year’s event was definitely around highlighting not only funders, but also the technology available to aid you in the funding process, like Brevio, Beacon CRM and our Funding Portal from GrantsOnline. Something a bit different, but tools we think will be really useful for you in your ongoing journey.

As Victoria said, we love the Funders Fayre, and we’re glad we were able to hold the event for you this year, even adapted. It was so good to see so many of you, and we hope you found it as useful and interesting as we did.

(Image caption (right): the words “Try something new” in looping black text, with a green hot air balloon to the left.)

Slides, recordings, and Q&A write-ups from the sessions will all be available soon. Until then, you can see recaps of all sessions by checking out the #V3F21 hashtag on Twitter and Facebook.

For further information on funding support for your local group, please contact our team by email: info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk