The Cranfield Trust has compiled a list of some of the most useful free management resources and pro bono services for charities.
These are useful tools to help charities manage everything from writing your charity’s business plan, forecasting and scenario planning, developing performance tools and systems, leadership development and mentoring, as well as getting trusted, independent advice and guidance from professionals in the field.
1. Law Works
LawWorks is a charity working in England and Wales to connect volunteer lawyers with people in need of legal advice, who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay, and with the not-for-profit organisations that support them.
The Not-for-Profits Programme brokers legal advice to small not-for-profit organisations on a wide range of legal issues, to support the continuation and expansion of their services to people in need. They give the advice for free (pro bono).
2. Media Trust
The Media Trust works in partnership with the media and creative industry to give marginalised groups and young people a stronger voice. They encourage the media and creative industry to share their time, knowledge and creativity to benefit charities, under-represented communities and young people.
Working together, they amplify charities’ voices by developing their communication and digital skills to help them connect better with their audiences. They also create and run unique programmes to encourage young, diverse talent to develop their confidence, passions and talents for the workplace.
3. Pro Bono Economics
Pro Bono Economics (PBE) uses economics to empower the social sector and to increase wellbeing across the UK. They combine project work with individual charities and social enterprises with policy research that can drive systemic change.
The services PBE provides to small-to-mid-sized charities help them measure, understand and better articulate their impact, influence and inform policy and make the best use of their data. Volunteer economists from across government, regulators and the private sector work in partnership with PBE to provide these services to charities on a pro bono basis.
4. Chartered Institute of Fundraising
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising is the professional membership body for UK fundraising. They support fundraisers through professional development and education. Whether you’re looking to keep up to date on the latest trends in fundraising, get new fundraising ideas or get to grips with the basics, their resources for small charities are a great place to start.
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, it brings together helpful fundraising guides, resources and training opportunities for small charities and community groups, from both the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and other sector bodies.
5. Cranfield Trust
The Cranfield Trust is widely regarded as the leading provider of pro bono consultancy and management support for charities in the UK. Its network of highly skilled volunteer consultants and advisers helps charities succeed and thrive by offering mentoring, management consultancy, peer support, advice, free charity webinars and free charity resources.
The Trust helps to build resilient and sustainable charities using their Journey to Excellence framework, offering free and pro bono support in four key management areas:
o Leadership and Strategic Direction.
o People Management.
o Financial Management and Sustainability, and
o Performance and Impact.
