Birmingham Community Lottery has raised over £33,000 for registered good causes since its launch in 2024! To mark the two years since BVSC started running the lottery, we are sharing some success stories to showcase how Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprose (VCFSE) organisations are making the most of this free, online fundraising tool. Read more
BVSC supports the Birmingham Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector to celebrate and raise awareness of South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) which runs from 1 – 31 July this year. The 2026 theme is ‘Unity in Diversity’. This is about celebrating the extraordinary breadth and richness of South Asian communities in the UK and worldwide. Read more
A new report outlines growing concerns about the rise in racism, hate incidents and a declining sense of safety across Birmingham’s communities - and sets out a series of recommendations to city leaders for tackling these issues. The report gathers the findings of a Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Community Cohesion Summit held in February 2026 convened by BVSC and BRIG with support from Birmingham City Council. Read more
Businesses, Charities and other Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations came together on 4 June to ‘Compete 4 Community’ in the Birmingham Community Investment Games. The Games, hosted by Pitch2Progress CIC and supported by the Birmingham Business & Community Partnership, brought organisations together not only to compete in a variety of fun sports and games, but also to encourage connection and collaboration to help "make the magic happen" for communities. Read more
BVSC is delighted to be piloting the Birmingham VCFSE Hub – a new shared workspace designed specifically for grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. Located in the heart of Birmingham, the Hub will provide a welcoming and collaborative environment where organisations can work, connect and grow together. Alongside BVSC staff, we are looking for a small number of VCFSE partners to help shape and develop this exciting new space. Read more
Veolia's Sustainability Fund is open! The Fund supports projects that positively impact local areas and deliver long-term social and environmental benefits. The Fund aims to empower communities to take positive action in their local area. The Fund provides cash grants up to £1,000 per project. Read more
Midlands-based learning disability charity, Lisieux Trust, is delighted to announce that Dr Emma Hodges has been appointed as permanent Chief Executive. Emma joins at a busy time, with the Trust set to begin its 40th anniversary celebrations in the autumn alongside an ongoing programme of expansion and modernisation. Read more
Applications are now open for the Youth Climate Action Fund! Young people (15-24), through an established organisation, can now bid for funding between £1,000-£2,500 for a project to deliver climate and environment action. The projects designed by young people should focus on one or more of the following themes: air quality, circular economy, climate adaptation and nature. We welcome bids from any organisation across the West Midlands Combined Authority area including Birmingham. Read more
ecobirmingham is offering practical training sessions for voluntary, community and social organisations (VCSOs) across Birmingham, supporting teams to embed the One Planet Living® framework into their work – all at a reduced rate. We are proud to have recently been recognised by Bioregional as a One Planet Living® Leader, highlighting our work in delivering the framework at a community level and supporting residents across Birmingham to take meaningful, practical action. Read more
Over the past two years, BrumEnergy’s Centres for Warmth has provided vital, community-based support to residents in Sutton Coldfield, helping people stay warm, safe and financially resilient during a challenging time. Funded by Cadent and NAVCA and delivered through trusted local partners, BVSC, Age Connects West Midlands and ecobirmingham, the programme has been part of a wider national initiative supporting people in vulnerable situations. Read more
Buggies 4 Brum has launched a new easier process for donations of pre-loved or new buggies or prams to give to families in need across Birmingham City. Find out how you can help. Read more
Birmingham businesses are supporting young children in hospital to reduce loneliness through play by making activity and playpacks. BPCN (Birmingham PlayCare Network) are working with local businesses to create bespoke activity and playpacks shared with children in Birmingham Children’s Hospital through the NHS Ward Buddies pilot scheme. Read more
Birmingham has marked a significant milestone in its ambition to create a fairer, healthier city, bringing together partners to shape the city’s approach to Health Equity and Inclusion. Read more
Birmingham City Council will shortly be launching a new Grant Call for organisations that can deliver ambitious, high-impact support in: ESOL for Integration (Community-Led ESOL), English for Employment, and Employment Support. We are looking for organisations with the vision, expertise, and passion to develop innovative approaches that significantly improve both the language outcomes, integration and economic opportunities of refugees and asylum seekers across Birmingham. Read more
The Inclusion Health Living Library initiative is a new programme designed to bring together system leaders, practitioners and voluntary sector partners with people who have direct lived experience of exclusion and inequality. The Living Library is being delivered on behalf of Birmingham City Council’s Public Health division by BVSC, and together we’re seeking proposals from suitably qualified academic or evaluation organisations to independently evaluate it. Read more
Together St Paul’s named a winner of the Weston Charity Awards 2026 – a national programme that recognises ambitious charities making a difference in their communities. Selected from more than 180 applicants, Together St Paul's is one of just 22 charities across the Midlands, Wales and the North of England to receive this award. For over 50 years, Together St Paul’s has worked alongside the people of Balsall Heath and Birmingham, supporting young people, families and communities to thrive. Read more
Social investment is becoming an increasingly important tool for charities and social enterprises in an increasingly challenging economic climate. This programme is highlighting how investment can be utilised to scale and support your organisation both financially and to improve your social impact. Read more
Whatever your fundraising goals, easyfundraising can help you get there. This month, they are offering 250 online fundraising packs to community organisations. easyfundraising is a free, easy, and accessible way for your network of volunteers, staff and trustees to raise funds for you by simply shopping online with retailers such as ebay, Tesco, Trainline, Argos, M&S, and 8,000 more via the easyfundraising website or app and the retailer then sends your organisation monetary donations. Read more
This Small Charity Week (22–29 June), BVSC is proud to be part of a national celebration of the vital role small charities play in communities across the UK. This year’s campaign, Small charities. Big impact., shines a light on the difference small charities make every day, supporting people, strengthening communities and creating change where it matters most. Read more
BVSC Research are excited to share that our podcast series: CHERP Conversations is now... live! Hosted by our research team, we put the spotlight on our community researchers and explore their journeys into research. We hope it gives an insight into who can deliver research, who *should* deliver research, and how you and your community can get involved. Episode 1 is out now! We talk about what community research is, and what the benefits can be. Read more
Following the launch of the Inclusion Health Living Library initiative, we are looking to identify individuals who may be interested in joining Birmingham’s first Inclusion Health Living Library. The Living Library model is designed to bring together system leaders, practitioners and voluntary sector partners with people who have direct lived experience of exclusion and inequality. We are seeking individuals who may be interested in contributing as Lived Experience Subject Matter Experts. Read more
The Democratic Engagement Fund will provide grants to civil society organisations (CSOs) to deliver politically neutral, place‑based activities that help people understand, engage with, and participate in democracy. Deadline 31st August. Read more
Stallholders are invited to the MAC's Big Green Weekender, a two-day eco festival on 19-20th September! The Saturday explores climate change, sustainable ways of living (especially sustainable fashion and upcycling), and nature. Sunday will be a creative family fun day with theatre and workshops. Get involved with a stall and provide free information and interactive activities for all to enjoy. Read more
One million essential items have been distributed to families in need across the region through the West Midlands Multibank since the project was launched just over a year ago. The milestone was celebrated by BVSC, who oversee the West Midlands Multibank alongside funders Comic Relief and Sport Relief. The West Midlands Multibank receives donations from businesses such as Amazon to distribute to a network of over 200 community partners who then distribute them to families most in need. Read more