Spark Somerset is Somerset’s main infrastructure charity dedicated to supporting and championing the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. Established in 2016, Spark provides practical services, training, and strategic advocacy to help local charities and community groups operate sustainably and maximise their impact.
Spark has two free, in-person events for charities and community groups in Somerset in April and May entitled:
“Profit and Purpose: enterprise and income diversification for impact”
Sessions are scheduled to take place on:
1. Wednesday 29th April 2026 – for further information, please follow this LINK, and
2. Tuesday 5th May 2026 – click HERE for more details.
There will be guest speakers, workshops, and a chance to network with peers. Attendees will come away with practical routes to strengthen their organisation’s sustainability.
Spark Somerset’s promotional text for the sessions reads:
“Learn how you can build financial resilience through diverse income streams.
“In these difficult financial times, it’s important for charities and community groups to make use of more than one income stream.
“Join us for a practical, in-person, all-day conference exploring how VCSFE organisations can diversify income and build financial resilience.
“Through workshops, panels and peer sessions we’ll explore trading, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships, commissioning, legacy gifts, skills funding, direct payments and more.
“Expect sessions on:
o Income diversification.
o Legacy giving.
o Developing your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) offer.
o Social investment.
o Sweating your assets.
o What commissioners want.
o How to access direct payments and skills and learning funding.
o Market research.
o Trading and e-commerce, and
o How to start trading.
Tickets are freely available to staff and volunteers from VCFSE groups and organisations based in or operating within Somerset, and include complimentary refreshments, pastries, and a light lunch.”
Please note that if Spark Somerset cannot verify your link to a VCFSE group in the county, your booking will be cancelled.
