Members’ Voices

The May members’ meeting was on the theme of members’ voices. Insightful reflection on recent experiences were shared by some of our members. Links to some useful materials arising within the discussion can be found below:

-          Rethinking Reserves Policies

The recording of SCVO’s event on 10 May 2021 on effective reserves statements can be found here.   This event brought together some of Scotland’s funders to discuss reserves, what they are for, and how they are built, maintained and deployed in good times and bad. The event posed questions on: how can reserves contribute to a dynamic and resilient sector and what could funders, commissioners and sector organisations do to make that happen.

Please note: this topic will also be discussed, from an investment management perspective, at our next SGM meeting on 10 June at 10.00 am.

 -   Environmental Funders Network:  Strategy and Rapid Response Fund

Thank you to Julie Christie for her introduction to the work of EFN as the national network for funders supporting environmental causes.  EFN’s strategy for 2021 can be found here.  Details of the collaborative initiative the Rapid Response Fund can be found here.

- Latest IVAR Briefing

Birds in a hurricane: Voluntary sector adaptation and resilience through and beyond Covid-19.

How might we capture and build on what has been learnt since March 2020? This is the central question of Birds in a hurricane, an IVAR briefing which explores how the voluntary sector has survived – and in some cases even thrived – since the pandemic began. In this 20-minute read (with 5-minute summary), you’ll find out what will help both voluntary organisations, and those who support them, to sustain and develop their contribution for the longer term.