Charity Hub: Kings Award for Voluntary Service & Funding Opportunities

Discover how to apply for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and the benefits of securing this prestigious honour.
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 will explore both funding opportunities and national recognition for voluntary organisations, with four guest speakers sharing their expertise and practical insights.

Speakers

• The Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire: Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE – An introduction to the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. The session will explore the significance of the award, its impact on voluntary organisations and why it is regarded as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups.
• Janet Wheatley, Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire and Lead Assessor for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – Explanation of How to Apply: Hints and Tips for Success. Janet will provide practical guidance on the nomination and assessment process, what assessors look for in a strong application, common pitfalls to avoid and how organisations can best demonstrate their impact, volunteer involvement and community benefit.
• Naomi Sampson, Investment Manager, Key Fund Investments – An introduction to social investment funding for charities and social enterprises. Naomi will explain how loan finance and blended grant funding can support organisational growth, asset development, income diversification and the delivery of social impact.
• Julie Banham, Trustee, Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust – An overview of the funding opportunities available through the Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust, including the types of organisations and projects supported, eligibility criteria and practical advice for groups considering an application.

Alongside the speaker sessions, there will be plenty of opportunity to network with peers over coffee, share experiences and build supportive connections with others from across Sheffield’s charity, voluntary and social enterprise sectors.

The session will include time for questions and discussion, providing attendees with practical insights into securing funding, exploring alternative finance options and understanding how voluntary organisations can achieve recognition through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

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 - 11:50 AM
Funding Opportunities: Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust
Host: Julie Banham
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Closing Remarks