WE EMPOWER the local sector

At CAN, we provide professional and practical support to organisations working in the local voluntary and community sector (sometimes referred to as the VCS). We help groups right from the start, empowering them to become strong and independent, with good governance and management. We provide support when it’s needed so organisations can evolve and adapt – and the sector can grow and thrive.

We have years of experience empowering the VCS, which we use to:

  • Help build and grow the VCS locally
  • Promote and champion the value of the VCS
  • Provide high-quality information, support, advice and training to local voluntary organisations, community groups and charities
  • Empower grassroots community groups to meet local emerging needs
  • Help organisations to work collaboratively and share resources
  • Cascade national best practice.

93% of charities and community groups asked would definitely recommend our advice and support offer to a colleague or friend. Data and feedback were gathered from our members over the past few months to check we are delivering a needs based service and inform our work.

reporting on our impact (October 2021)

EMPOWERING the sector

Here’s how we can support and advise we you

Read: Empowering CAN Dorset

Empowering CAN Dorset

Dorset Council have commissioned CAN to empower a resilient voluntary and community sector across the county …

Read: Setting up a new Group

Setting up a new group

Starting a new charity of voluntary group can be daunting, but we’re here to support you …

Read: Running a group

Running a group

Running a voluntary or community group can be very rewarding, but there’s a lot of legal and good practice to keep on top of …

Read: Funding and income

Funding and income

We understand that finding the money to continue your work and realise your dreams for future growth can be difficult. Find information and advice about funding here …

Read: Support for trustees

Support for trustees

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring charities and voluntary groups are well run, effective and working in the best way possible …

Read: Equipment and resources

Equipment and resources

We can use our extensive voluntary sector networks to redistribute and re-home donations of good condition second-hand equipment …

Read: Places to meet - back soon (currently unavailable)

Places to meet - back soon

Currently unavailable; we are carrying out some much-needed updates to our listing. Apologies for any inconvenience …