Essex Cultural Diversity Project is delivering a new programme of support for BAMER (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugees) led organisations in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Get in touch with us to find out more, and to access support through 1-2-1 sessions and online workshops.
About ECDP’s BAMER Infrastructure Programme
Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) is delivering a programme of support for BAMER-focused and BAMER-led not-for-profit and charitable organisations and groups in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. We will support organisations who are aiming to secure funding, or develop new partnerships to deliver important services to their communities, particularly relevant in terms of the current challenges facing the voluntary sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding for this programme comes from the National Emergencies Trust administered by UK Community Foundations.
ECDP are collaborating with the Cultural Engine CIC on this programme.
What do we mean by ‘BAMER Infrastructure’?
ECDP want to ensure that organisations working to support their communities are able to get the support they need during the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Emergencies Trust recognises that it can be difficult for smaller and local community organisations to get the support they need because of the pressures of Covid-19. These smaller organisations are important and provide the ‘infrastructure’ that many communities and individual rely upon.
BAMER means Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee. So if your organisation’s mission or purpose is to benefit BAMER communities, or the majority of your leadership (i.e. at least half of the senior team and Trustee board) are from the BAMER community or communities that it serves, then you can request support from ECDP through this programme. Evidence shows that BAMER organisations are less likely to secure Covid-19 related emergency funds.
Support available
We are offering a number of 1-2-1 sessions where representatives of BAMER community organisations and groups can get direct advice and support. We will discuss project ideas with organisations and provide direct advice on putting together good funding applications (likely to include Essex Community Foundation National Emergencies Trust funding for example). Issues to discuss could include:
- Defining and explaining the project and why it is needed (evidence of need)
- Structuring the application / writing a good application
- Developing partnerships or partnership working
- Setting out financial information
- Demonstrating good governance and policies
- Setting out clear longer-term and strategic priorities
1-2-1 sessions can be in person, or they can be online and they will be with a representative of both ECDP and Cultural Engine CIC. If it is not possible to provide all of the assistance you need during the 1-2-1, we can always provide some additional advice after the session. Sessions will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
ECDP wants to help Essex-based BAMER organisations to get the help they need to stabilise and grow, building a platform for them to deliver sustainable long-term support for their communities.
Get in Touch
If you would like to talk to us about your project or about the challenges your organisation and/or community faces at this time, then get in touch. We may be able to help you identify funding, and we should be able to help you put together a stronger application. It is worth having a think about what you would like to talk about before your 1-2-1.
Please email indi.sandhu@essexcdp.com with:
- Your contact details
- A very brief outline of what help you think you need. If you are thinking of applying for funding, tell us which fund. If you are not sure about which fund, tell us a bit about what you want to do.
- Whether you would like an in-person 1-2-1 or would prefer face to face (and if face-to-face which area of Essex you would like to meet in).
We will respond and let you know whether we are able to meet you and how likely it is based upon what you tell us that we can offer assistance.
Workshop Sessions
ECDP will also organise a number of online workshop sessions for up to 12 organisations to take part. These will be group session where representatives will be able to share their thoughts and ideas on their projects, their challenges, opportunities and interest in forming new partnerships. This will be an opportunity to get direct support from ECDP and Cultural Engine while also benefiting from talking to others about what they are wanting to do.
The first Workshops will be on the 10 December 2020, and 10 February 2021. Contact us on indi.sandhu@essexcdp.com if you are interested in attending.