CVS Inverclyde

31/08/2026

Join us for our 30-year anniversary conference: 30 Years Strong: Shaping a Resilient, Collaborative and Future-Ready Third Sector.

Taking place on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, the conference will bring together Inverclyde’s third sector organisations, public sector partners and volunteers for a day focused on the future of Inverclyde’s third sector.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from sector leaders, take part in practical workshops, meet local and national organisations, and explore how we can continue working together to support a strong, sustainable and resilient third sector.

The conference will be hosted by Scottish broadcast journalist and television presenter Rona Dougall, with keynote speakers including Dr Jim McCormick, Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust, and Jamie Cooke, Executive Director of Inclusion International.

We look forward to welcoming organisations and partners from across Inverclyde for a day of reflection, learning and collaboration.

📅Wednesday 4 November 2026, 9:30am - 4:30pm
📍 Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock

View the full programme and secure your tickets: https://www.conference.cvsinverclyde.org.uk/

We anticipate this to be a highly attended event, so we recommend booking early to ensure you can attend your preferred sessions.

31/08/2026

Sports clubs and community sports groups across Inverclyde are invited to take part in the Cash for Kids Sports Challenge 2026.

Groups keep 100% of the money they raise, which can be used to support children and young people through initiatives such as reducing membership costs, purchasing equipment, improving facilities, supporting children with additional needs and covering essential running costs.

⭐️ Any group that raises £2,000 or more will receive an additional £500 funding top-up, regardless of where they place in the challenge.

The fundraising challenge runs from 12 September to 12 October 2026, giving participating groups 30 days to fundraise. There are also additional prizes available for the top fundraising groups:

🥇 1st Place: £5,000
🥈 2nd Place: £2,500
🥉 3rd Place: £1,500

Registration closes on 7 September, so interested groups are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

28/08/2026

Thank you to Martin McCluskey MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West for visiting CVS Inverclyde today. We appreciated the opportunity to showcase the breadth and impact of Inverclyde's third sector, and to discuss the invaluable role that local charities, community groups and volunteers play in supporting people and strengthening communities.

The conversation also explored several projects and initiatives led by CVSI that are helping to improve outcomes locally. These include the Inverclyde's Community Link Worker programme, the contribution of the third sector to health and wellbeing across the area, our intensive programme of support for social enterprises and volunteering initiatives.

Thank you to Martin for taking the time to learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing communities across Inverclyde.

28/08/2026

Applications Now Open: Inverclyde Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults 2026/27

Applications are now open for the Inverclyde Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults. The fund supports community-based projects and activities that help improve mental health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and support people facing mental health challenges across Inverclyde.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £15,000 to deliver projects that make a difference to local people and communities.

- Support positive mental health and wellbeing
- Reduce loneliness and isolation
- Improve quality of life for local communities
- Support unpaid carers and people facing disadvantage

📅 Application Deadline: Friday 9 October 2026 at 10:00am

🔗 Apply now: https://www.cvsinverclyde.org.uk/cmhwbf-fund

For guidance and support with your application, contact the Funding Team: [email protected]

28/08/2026

It was great to see yesterday's Volunteer Coordinators Network well attended, with everyone getting involved in discussion.

The session focused on Codes of Conduct in Practice, with attendees taking part in discussions and practical scenarios exploring how codes of conduct can be applied in volunteer-involving organisations.

Thank you to Hope Community Church for hosting us, and we look forward to the next meeting in November for another opportunity to connect.

26/08/2026

As sponsors of the Third Sector Organisation of the Year Award, we're proud to support the Inverclyde Chamber ICON Awards in recognising organisations across Inverclyde.

Congratulations to all shortlisted organisations. We look forward to celebrating your achievements on the night and wish the best of luck 🌟

24/08/2026

⭐️ Could the Community Benefits Wish List support your organisation?

The Wish List on the Glasgow City Region Community Benefits Portal connects Inverclyde community groups with suppliers that can provide practical support as part of their Community Benefit commitments.

Your organisation can request support such as:

✔️ Funding or donations towards activities
✔️ Equipment and resources
✔️ Support for community projects
✔️ Items for events and activities

You can have up to three active requests at any one time, so if you’re already using the Wish List, you can add another request to reflect your organisation’s current needs.

Connecting communities and businesses to deliver positive change.

21/08/2026

Spaces are still available for our upcoming funding surgery with The Newark Trust.

This is a valuable opportunity for organisations considering an application to the Community Places Fund to meet with Claire Stone, Charity Manager, for guidance on their project ideas.

The Community Places Fund offers one-off grants of up to £20,000 for projects that improve the buildings and spaces used to deliver community activities, services and programmes.

Prospective applicants must meet with the Charity Manager before submitting an application ahead of the fund opening on 1 September.

📅 Book your appointment: https://buff.ly/taMLjml

21/08/2026

💬 Join the upcoming Death Cafe in Greenock Central Library on Tuesday 25 August.

Facilitated by staff from Ardgowan Hospice, the Death Cafe allows a chance to explore topics that may be considered taboo but are an important part of life.

Please note, a death cafe is not a bereavement group.

19/08/2026

CVS Inverclyde's funding surgeries give member organisations access to personalised support from our Funding Support Officer. Sessions can help you develop ideas, strengthen applications and explore funding options that align with your organisation's aims.

Our next funding surgery takes place on Monday 7 September.

Book a slot: https://buff.ly/GTNL7ti