Making a ‘Big Impact’

The ‘Big Impact’ Not-for-Profit Conference, organised by Community Impact Bucks, was a sector-leading event, aimed at helping voluntary groups become more effective at measuring and communicating their impact.

There are over 2,500 registered charities in the county and a similar number of community groups, who are increasingly relied upon to provide essential support for local children, older people and those with disabilities. The majority (47%) survive on an income of less than £25,000 per year and a worrying one in five, predict a crisis situation in the near future.

The event attracted an impressive line-up of speakers from across the UK, including the record-breaking fundraiser, Anahid Basmajiaan, who created the No.1 most viewed Not-for-Profit YouTube Channel and led the #highstreetheroes twitter campaign during the 2011 riots.

Also sharing their wisdom, were BAFTA winning film-maker David Rolfe, Marketing Fellow, Giles Robertson and former Head of PR for St John Ambulance, Deborah Watson.

A major highlight of the day, was the Inspirational Showcase in which Tracey Ford, founder of Jags Foundation, told her emotional story of losing her teenage son to gun crime and her innovative fundraising tactics for preventing youth violence.

CEO of Community Impact Bucks, Nick Phillips said this was a game-changing event for the Not-for-Profit sector.

‘Throughout the day, there were clear ‘aha’ moments when organisations realised their true value and gained tools to increase their resilience. I have great faith in our local voluntary sector and given what I saw at Big Impact, the future looks bright’

As the charity that exists to support the Not-for-Profit sector, Community Impact Bucks and New Futures Buckinghamshire are offering local groups, the opportunity to receive three days of free professional consulting from some of the speakers at Big Impact conference.

To find out more, ring the Community Impact hotline on 0300 1111 250.