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Futurebuilders England today launched a new interest-free loan fund for third sector organisations struggling to meet the cost of tendering for public sector contracts.

The £1m Tender Fund is intended to help third sector providers win contracts where prohibitive tendering costs would otherwise make it difficult for them to bid.

Jonathan Lewis, Chief Executive of Futurebuilders England said: “We know there are organisations with the skills to bid for and win public sector contracts who simply can’t afford the costs involved in preparing competitive bids.

Have you wondered whether you should give money to a homeless person begging on the street? NPC says you would do better to give to charities that are working to prevent homelessness, helping homeless people find jobs, and giving them the confidence and skills to live independently.

Speakers include:

Tess Woodcraft, Director of the Centre for Strategy and Communication, who will be giving some top tips for setting up and running focus groups including recruiting participants, developing a topic guide, moderating the group and reporting on findings.

Niall Cowley, Managing Director of Bright Young Things, who will be presenting on how to integrate social networking into more traditional media campaigns. Niall will be illustrating his points with a case study of the Anti-Bullying Week, November 2007.

A £35 million funding pot is being made available for new schemes that will create parklands, town squares and riverside pathways in the Thames Gateway, Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint has announced.

See here for further details.

Free one day conference, 10th June 2008

Microsoft UK and NCVO are hosting a FREE one day event combining case studies, workshops and speakers to help you explore the potential of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) for your organisation.

This event will introduce you to ways of developing your ICT, using new technology to enable your organisation to achieve more. You will also have the opportunity to network and share - experiences and find out how other organisations are benefiting from ICT.

To find out more

Faithworks invites you to spend a Sunday evening with Jim Wallis, the leading international commentator on faith and politics, bestselling author, preacher and activist.

Jim Wallis is an influential man of action. In his new book, Seven Ways to Change the World, he argues that traditional politics is failing to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Explore the seven commitments that he proposes could make the difference in resolving some of the greatest global challenges we face today.

The Communities and Local Government Department has announce that ddeprived communities across England are receive £230m in grants to boost jobs and education and reduce crime.

The money will largely be funneled into the third sector.

Click here to read the article in Third Sector magazine