Small is beautiful so they say, and many small charities across Salford work day in and day out to improve the lives, life chances and environment but what counts as small?

It’s a bit of a sweeping idea as the definition covers tiny unregistered charitable community groups with less than £5,000 income, registered micro charities with less than £10,000 and anything up to charities with £1 million income a year.

It’s common sense therefore that not all advice applies to all small charities, if you’re big enough to have employees or fund extensive activities but are not yet outside of the small charity definition your charity is likely to have resources and responsibilities which much smaller organisations do not.

Having said that many of the really small charities are volunteer-run, very locally focused and able to respond quickly to local need. They form the bedrock of community response across the borough and make a difference daily, from combating loneliness to learning about history, from knitting together for good causes to providing food and foodbank and almost anything else you an imagine. In Salford we have archers, historians, artists and therapists, Vikings and many many more.

This week to celebrate Small Charity Week we will be publishing bite-sized info and advice snippets for small charities, their supporters and anyone who has an interest.

If you would like further information and support on any of these subjects, contact our Development Team.

Resources and advice

If you are thinking of setting up a community group follow this link for information and first steps advice: www.salfordcvs.co.uk/constitution  

Confused by banking as a small charity, this guidance is all about bank mandates: www.salfordcvs.co.uk/mandate 

Do you keep a small amount of cash for the charity's use? Follow this link for more information on petty cash: www.salfordcvs.co.uk/pettycash 

The Great Get Together in Salford brought people together in the most beautiful ways through creativity, conversation and the simple joy of being with others. To honour Jo Cox and her message that 'we have more in common than that which divides us'. 

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This year’s theme, connection through creativity, came alive from the moment people walked through the door. Tables filled with craft materials, flowers, card making supplies and colourful activity packs (created by local creatives at Clifton Art group and Arts Let Loose) became natural conversation starters. People who had never met before found themselves chatting, laughing and sharing stories as they created something with their hands.

What made the day special wasn’t just the activities, it was the atmosphere. A real sense of welcome from the CVS staff in purple. A sense that everyone belonged. Volunteers, community groups, families, neighbours, MP’s and partners all played a part in shaping a space where people felt seen and valued.

Lunch (From the Castle Community Centre Eccles) was shared on long picnic tables, and as always in Salford, food became a bridge. People chatted about what matters to them and discovered new connections and opportunities happening right on their doorstep.

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The Great Get Together is inspired by the belief that communities are stronger when we come together. In Salford, that belief is lived every day through our Community Connectors, our community groups and VCSE organisations, our volunteers and the people who show up for one another. 

One of the most loved moments of the day came from our friends at RHS Bridgewater, who gifted us tomato plants for people to take home. It was such a simple gesture, yet it captured everything the Great Get Together stands for growth, sharing and community spirit. People left not just with a plant, but with a sense of hope. A reminder that when we nurture something whether it’s a seedling, a friendship or a community, it grows. 

Events like this remind us that connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s a conversation over a buttie or a craft table. Sometimes it’s a smile across the room. Sometimes it’s simply showing up.

And that’s exactly what Salford did.

Feedback inc. 

Meeting new people and learning about what’s in the community

Meeting other people with similar aims

The opportunity to truly connect to those I already knew and to meet new people.

More events like this please!