Support for Organisations
How we help your organisation
We support community groups, charities and voluntary organisations across Islington to develop, grow and make a greater impact in their communities. Whether you are starting a new organisation, strengthening governance and finances, developing your trustees or management committee, or applying for funding, we offer practical guidance, training and development support.
Face-to-face advice
Book a one-to-one advice session with our VCFSE Community Development Manager. Initial appointments last up to 50 minutes with a follow-up session available if needed. Just complete the form below to make an appointment.
Telephone advice
Call us on 020 7832 5801 / 07386 891291 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. We'll provide advice or signpost you to the right support.
Thank you for your support
I would like to thank you for all the support and guidance you have provided through the different training sessions in the past. I have found your advice and experience very helpful in supporting both my work and the development of our organisation.
Islington Chinese Association
Resources & Toolkits
Access practical guides, templates and tools to help you run, develop and strengthen your organisation. Whether you're starting a new group or building your organisation's capacity, our resources will save you time, support good practice and help your organisation thrive.
Women's Link Project
“VAI’s guidance has been invaluable to Women’s Link Project. Their support helped us become a registered CIO and strengthen our funding application, enabling us to secure funding, build our capacity, and continue providing safe spaces where women can connect, grow in confidence, and feel less isolated.”
Gladys Cobbina-Agyemang, Founder & Chair, Women's Link
Our Impact
We supported Women’s Link Project, a grassroots organisation, at a key stage in its development by guiding them through the process of becoming a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
We also strengthened their funding application, helping them secure funding to expand their activities and reach more women experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
Through a VAI training and networking session, Women’s Link Project connected with another organisation, Lady Stitch Embroidery, leading to the Nwentoma: Weaving Community Together embroidery programme. This partnership supported 15–20 women to develop new skills, build confidence, form friendships, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Project Management Training
“I have never had any project management training. This has helped me massively in my day-to-day role as a community organiser, juggling multiple events and projects. It helped me break down big goals into smaller steps, set timelines and allocate resources effectively. It has also improved my time management.”
Carly, The Peel Institute
Our Impact
With the support of an Expert Volunteer Associate, we have delivered our free Introduction to Project Management training to over 100 staff and volunteers from micro and small community organisations.
This high-quality training, typically offered as a paid course, has been made accessible at no cost, helping organisations strengthen their project planning, delivery and reporting skills, regardless of their budget.
By increasing the skills and confidence of community leaders and staff, we are helping local organisations deliver stronger projects, access funding opportunities and create greater impact for the communities they serve.
Lady Stitch
"After being awarded the Make It Happen Grant from Islington Giving, VAI invited me to take part in a mentoring and training programme. Thanks to this opportunity, I met Gladys Cobbina-Agyemang, Chair of Women's Link Project, and we now collaborate on the Nwentoma: Weaving Community Together project."
Juliana, Founder & Director, Lady Stitch Embroidery CIC
Our Impact
We supported Lady Stitch Embroidery CIC through mentoring, training and networking opportunities designed to strengthen small community organisations.
Through our programmes, Lady Stitch built new skills, expanded its network and connected with Women's Link Project, leading to a successful partnership that delivered the Nwentoma: Weaving Community Together embroidery programme in local community settings.
Alongside these opportunities, Lady Stitch has continued to grow its reach, supporting over 230 people through creative wellbeing workshops and building partnerships with charities and community organisations across Islington and Hackney.
By bringing organisations together, VAI helped create partnerships that continue to strengthen communities and increase opportunities for local people.