Party Conference Bursary Scheme 2009

NCVO is launching the Party Conference Bursary scheme for 2009 which will allow 7 smaller organisations to attend each party conference and have their voices heard at a national level.

What’s on offer?

Successful organisations will receive a two-day pass to the Labour, Conservative or Liberal Democrat Party Conference, 1 night’s accommodation and travel to and from the party conference.

NCVO parliamentary staff will be on hand to support successful organisations with a programme of meetings for the conferences, including a roundtable discussion with a Senior MP or Minister.

Party conference dates 2009

• Liberal Democrats – Bournemouth

   Saturday 19 September – Wednesday 23 September

• Labour – Brighton

   Sunday 27 September – Wednesday 1 October

• Conservatives – Manchester

  Monday 5 October – Thursday 8 October

What our winners said about last years scheme?

I found it a fascinating experience, raising lots of issues for my charity. I am "seizing the day" and setting about following up on the contacts made in Manchester with emails, letters and phone calls.

Lydia Keyte, What About The Children?

I personally found the experience very enlightening during my first party conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with ministers and have the chance to speak out for the small charity, and ultimately for the people who use our service.

Stephanie De La Haye, Survivors Of Depression In Transition

Who can apply?

Organisations with incomes of less than £500,000 will have the chance to put their concerns directly to a Minister or Senior MP this party conference season. 

Only NCVO members and registered charities can apply.

Application deadline

In order to qualify for the scheme, please read the terms and conditions.

Organisations interested in applying for a bursary must submit an application form to NCVO by 5pm on 17 June stating:

• information about your organisation including your main aims and issues
• what you hope to learn from attending a party conference
• what you would ask the Minister or Opposition spokesperson for the Third Sector if you were in a meeting with them

Download

• Download: Application form 2009 (word 156 KB) 
• Download: Terms and conditions (word 32.5KB)  

Contact

For more information about the Party Conference bursary scheme, or to apply:

• Contact: Nzinga Cotton, NCVO Parliamentary and Campaigns Team Telephone: 020 7520 2458
• Email: partyconference@ncvo-vol.org.uk