Charity Hub: Kings Award for Voluntary Service & Funding Opportunities
About this Event
Join us at Charity Hub for a welcoming, relaxed, and practical in-person networking and information-sharing session, bringing together people who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
This Charity Hub focuses on the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their communities. The session will introduce the award, explain the application and nomination process, and explore the benefits and opportunities that recognition can bring to voluntary organisations.
We are delighted to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, who will open the morning with an introduction to the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. As His Majesty’s representative in the county, the Lord-Lieutenant plays a key role in championing and supporting the recognition of voluntary groups. This session will explain the purpose and significance of the award, its history, and why it is regarded as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups.
The event will also provide a practical introduction to how organisations can engage with the KAVS process, including eligibility criteria, the nomination process, and what assessors look for when reviewing applications. Attendees will learn how groups can demonstrate their impact, community benefit, and strong volunteer leadership when preparing a nomination.
In addition, we are also pleased to welcome Naomi Sampson, Investment Manager at Key Fund Investments, who will deliver a session on funding opportunities available through social investment. Key Fund is a social investor that provides loan finance, often blended with a grant, to incorporated charities and social enterprises to improve people’s lives and local places. This session will provide an introduction to social investment, explaining what it is, how it differs from traditional grant funding, and how it can be used to diversify income and support the delivery of your organisation’s social mission.
Throughout the morning there will be plenty of time to talk with peers over coffee, share experiences, and build supportive connections with others from across the charity and voluntary sector. The session will include time for questions and discussion, providing an opportunity to better understand how local organisations can take part both in the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and in exploring new funding routes through social investment.
Charity Hub is supported by Business Sheffield.
Please note this event is specifically for charities, social enterprises and public sector organisations. Please enquire regarding booking eligibility, as unfortunately refunds cannot be given.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Welcome and Introduction
Host: Rachel Fletcher
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:25 AM
Introduction to The Kings Awards for Voluntary Service
Host: Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire
🕑: 10:25 AM - 10:50 AM
Explanation of How to Apply: Hints & Tips for Success
Host: Janet Wheatley DL
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:15 AM
Coffee Break & Networking
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:35 AM
Funding Opportunities Available Through Social Investment
Host: Naomi Sampson
🕑: 11:35 AM - 12:00 PM
Sharing of Good News and New Funding Opportunities
Host: Rachel Fletcher
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Close & Networking Lunch
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 5.00
