The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national membership organisation for the voluntary sector. Our mission is to support, promote and develop a confident, sustainable voluntary sector in Scotland. We’re passionate about what the voluntary sector can achieve. Along with our community of 2,860 members and supporters, we believe that charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups make Scotland a better place.
Support & Learning
Our Information Service is an online knowledge bank and enquiry service delivered by experts. We provide information, free resources and guidance for charities and voluntary organisations in Scotland.
Services
Our experienced and knowledgeable Support Services teams can support you in delivering the core functions that keep your organisation running smoothly, including Managed I.T, Payroll, Office Space and HR.
Funding Scotland
Find funding for your charity, community group or social enterprise using our free online search engine. From small grants to funding for big capital projects, we can help you track down the funding you need to make a difference in your community.
Events and Training
Our programme of webinars, training and events focuses on the topical issues affecting Scotland’s voluntary sector. Sessions cover volunteering challenges, funding, social impact, leadership skills and our book club on the best non-fiction addressing the sector.
At GCVS, we’re here to support community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises with the help and training they need to succeed. By strengthening the voluntary sector, both citizens and communities can benefit. We provide free support in Glasgow for the essentials like fundraising, governance, measuring impact and climate friendly practice. Our paid for services Scotland wide for Payroll, HR and Health & Safety provide in-depth expertise.
CVS Falkirk & District is recognised by Scottish Government and Falkirk Community Planning Partnership (CPP) as the third sector interface for the Falkirk area. We have a primary role in ensuring the continuation and development of a vibrant third sector (charities, social enterprises, community and voluntary groups etc) in Falkirk.
We work with existing social enterprises, and encourage individuals and organisations to be more socially enterprising, through a range of services, including but not limited to start up guidance, idea development, business planning, identifying funders, partnerships, legal and compliance issues, measuring social impact and tendering and procurement. We have a variety of local support options for social enterprises in Falkirk, who are familiar with the social enterprise model and can offer guidance on different subjects.
Organisation information here.
VAO supports the third sector in Orkney by providing advice, information and practical services. The third sector is made up of voluntary, community and charitable groups, social enterprises and volunteers.
Dundee Social Enterprise Network supports, develops and helps to grow social enterprises of all sizes and specialisms. Our staff team can offer direct practical support and advice to existing and aspiring social enterprises in Dundee. This includes help to access funding and loans, procurement and tendering opportunities, business support, information and training.
Community Enterprise provides hands-on support from ideas generation right through to business planning and branding.
Firstport is Scotland’s agency for start-up social entrepreneurs and social enterprise. The organisation is a registered charity that supports individuals all across Scotland to start, develop and grow their ideas into businesses with social impact at their core.
Established in 2011, the Community Ownership Support Service (COSS) is a free, adviser-led service funded by the Scottish Government supporting community groups across Scotland to manage, lease or own publicly owned land and buildings. We work with communities wishing to take on public assets through the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process, as well as supporting communities interested in Community Right to Buy (CRtB). We also deliver training courses to community groups on topics including business planning, governance and facilities management. We deliver CPD training to Relevant Authorities and Third Sector Interfaces on Community Asset Transfer. Along with Community Shares Scotland (CSS), we are part of the Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS).
