Voluntary Support North Surrey

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately £2,000+ (Sparks Fund program)
• Grant Range: Up to £2,000 (larger applications considered)
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: Runnymede, Spelthorne, and Surrey Heath boroughs in North Surrey
• Application Method: Rolling basis via online form

Contact Details

Address: Community Link, Ian Goodchild Centre, Knoll Road, Camberley, GU15 3SY

Phone: 01932 571122

Email: info@voluntarysupport.org.uk

Website: www.voluntarysupport.org.uk

Overview

Voluntary Support North Surrey (VSNS) is a Council for Voluntary Service established in 1996 and incorporated as a charity in February 2011 (registered charity number 1141587). While primarily known as an infrastructure support organization that provides capacity-building services to approximately 1,500 voluntary and community organizations across three Surrey boroughs, VSNS also operates its own grant-making program - the Sparks Fund. The organization reported total expenditure of £657,361 for the financial year ending 31 March 2024, with 8 trustees and 800 volunteers supporting their mission. Led by CEO Solette Sheppardson, VSNS focuses on four strategic priorities: health (with emphasis on mental health), inclusive engagement, resourcing delivery, and communication for impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Sparks Fund: Up to £2,000 (larger applications considered on discussion)

• Application method: Rolling basis via online form
• Focus: Small-scale community-led initiatives
• Purpose: Support communities impacted by Covid-19 and its wider impact on health and wellbeing

Priority Areas

Geographic Priority Areas:

• Runnymede: Chertsey St Anne's, Englefield Green West
• Spelthorne: Ashford & Stanwell South, Stanwell North
• Surrey Heath: Old Dean area

Thematic Priorities:

• Resident and community-led activities benefiting local neighborhoods
• Building community connection and resilience
• Mitigating Covid-19 and cost of living impacts
• Health and wellbeing (particularly mental health)
• Inclusive engagement - “No one left behind”

What They Fund

The Sparks Fund supports small-scale community initiatives that enable residents to participate and engage in matters that impact their local areas. Examples of funded projects include:

• Community social clubs and activities (Runnymede Games Club - weekly sessions for ages 20s-90s)
• Health and wellbeing classes (Surrey Heath Age Concern - exercise classes with instructor fees, venue rental, and promotion)
• Community support services (Staines Helping Hands - essential equipment and supplies)

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Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer: Solette Sheppardson - worked in the third sector for 20 years, focusing on capacity building for charities and voluntary organisations in North Surrey

Deputy CEO: Alison Morey - involved in the charity sector for over 20 years, provides one-to-one funding advice and runs training courses

Chair of Trustees: Helen Frary

Key Staff

Borough Engagement Managers:

• Jo Buckell (Runnymede) - supports voluntary groups and volunteers, works with businesses across North Surrey
• Elaine Hawes (Spelthorne) - supports voluntary groups and volunteers, oversees befriending projects
• Libby Holcombe (Surrey Heath) - Engagement Manager

Other Key Positions:

• Jenny Jones - Volunteer Recruitment Manager (worked for VSNS for over 20 years)
• Karen - Befriending Manager for Surrey Heath Time to Talk Project
• Lakhbir - Charity Development Manager supporting groups in Spelthorne
• Sarah Ebrahimi - Finance and Office Manager
• Irina Mushtina - Marketing Support

Mission Statement

“The lives of residents in Runnymede, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath are improved through stronger voluntary, community and faith sectors.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications for the Sparks Fund are accepted on a rolling basis through an online form available on the VSNS website. Organizations can also contact VSNS directly at 01932 571122 or info@voluntarysupport.org.uk for more information or assistance with applications.

The standard grant amount is up to £2,000, though VSNS states they are “open to discussion around larger applications.”

Application Support

VSNS provides hands-on support throughout the application process. According to Staines Helping Hands, a previous recipient: “The application process was seamless thanks to the invaluable assistance from Voluntary Support North Surrey.”

Given VSNS's dual role as both a grant maker and support organization, applicants can access:

• One-to-one funding advice (provided by Deputy CEO Alison Morey and team)
• Training on fundraising strategy and successful bid writing
• Help with developing project proposals
• Support with writing grant applications

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not published. As a rolling program, applications are likely reviewed as received.

Application Success Factors

What Makes Applications Successful

1. Geographic Priority: Projects in the designated priority areas (Chertsey St Anne's, Englefield Green West, Ashford & Stanwell South, Stanwell North, Old Dean) appear to have strong consideration, as noted by Runnymede Games Club: “Many of our players come from Englefield Green – a priority area for Sparks Funding.”

1. Community-Led Initiatives: The fund explicitly seeks “resident and community-led activities,” suggesting projects driven by local residents rather than top-down approaches are favored.

1. Building Connection and Resilience: Projects that bring communities together and strengthen social connections align with VSNS's strategic priority of “inclusive engagement - no one left behind.”

1. Health and Wellbeing Focus: Given VSNS's strategic emphasis on health (particularly mental health), projects addressing these areas likely resonate strongly. Surrey Heath Age Concern's exercise classes exemplify this priority.

1. Inclusive and Accessible: Runnymede Games Club highlighted that they “cover a wide range of abilities making the club very inclusive,” suggesting that accessibility and inclusion are valued characteristics.

1. Practical, Tangible Outcomes: Successful projects have used funding for specific, concrete needs: venue rental, instructor fees, equipment, promotional materials, and supplies.

Evidence of Impact

The fund values projects that demonstrate clear community benefit. Runnymede Games Club noted: “Receiving Sparks Funding made a huge difference for the Runnymede Games Club. We have continued to run our weekly afternoon club for fifty weeks of the year.”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local and community-led: Priority is given to resident-driven initiatives in specific geographic areas within Runnymede, Spelthorne, and Surrey Heath
• Modest grants, significant impact: While grants are typically up to £2,000, they can make substantial differences for grassroots community activities
• Support available: Unlike many funders, VSNS actively assists with the application process - don't hesitate to request help
• Dual capacity-building role: VSNS can provide broader organizational support beyond just grant funding, including training and fundraising advice
• Rolling applications: No fixed deadlines mean you can apply when ready and timing suits your project
• Health and wellbeing focus: Projects addressing mental health, social isolation, and community resilience align with strategic priorities
• Flexibility on amounts: While £2,000 is the standard maximum, larger applications may be discussed - worth enquiring if you have a strong case

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - Voluntary Support North Surrey (1141587).. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1141587&subid=0
• Voluntary Support North Surrey Official Website. “About Us.”. https://voluntarysupport.org.uk/about-us/
• Voluntary Support North Surrey. “Voluntary Support Sparks Funding still available.”. https://voluntarysupport.org.uk/voluntary-support-sparks-funding-still-available/
• Voluntary Support North Surrey. “New VSNS Sparks Fund to support communities impacted by Covid 19.”. https://www.voluntarysupport.org.uk/new-vsns-sparks-fund-to-support-communities-impacted-by-covid-19/
• Voluntary Support North Surrey. “Fundraising Support.”. https://www.voluntarysupport.org.uk/fundraising/
• Surrey County Council. “Surrey Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS).”. https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/community/voluntary-community-and-faith-sector/councils-for-voluntary-service-in-surrey