Infrastructure case studies

• West Itchen Community Trust 
• Sutton CVS 
• High Peak CVS 
• Nuneton and Bedworth Council for Volunary Service 
• Voluntary Action West Kent 

You, and the organisations you work with, may also be interested in our case studies about frontline organisations adopting a sustainable funding approach.

We also have case studies on improving procurement and commissioning practice in our Public Service Delivery section.  

West Itchen Community Trust

West Itchen Community Trust balances issues of commercial return with its social goals. This enterprising organisation works with local community groups and individuals who are also keen to adopt an enterprising and sustainable approach.

The trust was given a property portfolio at its inception, and is now gearing up to expand this through the use of loan finance.
Date: November 2008

Download: West Itchen case study (PDF 821KB)

Sutton CVS

This case study explores the benefits which can be gained from collaboration with other infrastructure agencies. It also highlights how setting up and expanding income generating initiatives can further support core service provision in addition to bringing in extra money.
Date: July 2007

Download Sutton CVS case study (PDF 138KB)

High Peak CVS

A key strand of High Peak CVS's work has been tailoring generic resources to suit the needs of local, rural-based client group. It has also developed a trading arm to diversify its income base.

Key themes include developing resources tailored to local need, developing user-centred services which generate income, trading to develop a sustainable funding base and sustainability and growth beyond money.
Date: June 2007

Download High Peak CVS case study (PDF 176KB)

Nuneaton and Bedworth Council for Voluntary Service

In 2005 NBCVS started to consider how it could diversify its income streams without taking the organisation away from is core mission.

With traditional income from grant funding becoming further out of reach and private sector organisations providing capacity building services to the voluntary and community sector, NBCVS decided that it was in a strong position to compete for a piece of the action.

However, two years on, they explain that the development of a trading activity requires time and resources and will not always be successful the first time around.

Some of the key themes include an example of mission-related trading and how infrastructure agencies can trade as well as developing resources tailored to local need.
Date: July 2007

Download Nuneaton and Bedworth CVS case study (PDF 145KB) 

Managing growth and relationships - Voluntary Action West Kent (VAWK)

VAWK is a local infrastructure organisation which has increased significantly in size and sustainability in recent years.

With a core grant now covering only 8.2% of its income, VAWK has expanded largely through the development of earned income.
 
From two and a half staff and £30,000 turnover five years ago, VAWK grew to 19 staff and a turnover of £423,000 before merging with Sevenoaks Volunteer Development Agency in December 2007.

Download Voluntary Action West Kent case study (PDF 1.7 MB)