This section should help you find out where you are at.

Please decide which description best defines your group and then answer the questions relating to this level....

• Do you have an idea for a new group?
  You’re a ‘Seedling’ group 
• Are you in the process of setting up your group, or is it in its early stages?
  You have now become a ‘Sapling’ Group
• Are you an established group looking for further advice and/or funding?
  Your group is now ‘Well-Rooted’ 

Now try to answer the set of questions specifically for your group.

The First Steps (Seedlings) 

Our Seedlings have a good idea and need to know where to go next. Most have a group of people interested in, and passionate about, their Proposal.
We can help and advise you on where to go next! Have a think about the questions below and then check out the recommended sections of this website to help your group grow:

Do you have a group of people already interested in your project?

Have you set out a main aim that you are hoping to achieve?

Have you done any research into similar groups or projects in your area?

Have you considered in what ways your group could contribute to, or benefit, the wider community?

Have you consulted with anyone who will benefit from the work that your group will do?

If you have answered mostly NO: you may find the 'Starting a Group' Section useful

If you have answered mostly YES: Go on to the ‘Saplings’ section below...

The Next Stage (Saplings) 

Saplings are well on their way! They have a firm set of aims and objectives. We can help you to make your ideas reality!

Do you have a voluntary management committee in place?

Have you started work on your constitution, setting out how your group is run?

Have you opened a bank account for your group?

Do you have all the policies and procedures that you need in place? Eg. Health and Safety, Child Protection

If you have answered mostly NO: The following website sections may be of help to you:

Policies & Procedures
Start a Group
Funding/Commissioning
Volunteers
Insurance

If you have answered mostly YES: Go on to the well-rooted section below...

Up and Running (Well-Rooted)

Our well-rooted groups are up and running! We are here to give you advice on funding and making sure that your organisation continues its valuable work in the community!

Some questions for the ‘Well-rooted’ group

Are you looking for funding?

Have you planned your Fundraising Strategy?

Have you got a Business Plan or a Sustainability Strategy?

Are volunteers involved in your project?

Have you made contact with other individuals, groups and organisations who may be of help? Have you started networking?

Have you thought about becoming a Registered Charity and/or Ltd Company?

The following sections of the site may be of use...

Policies & Procedures
Start a Group
Funding/Commissioning
Volunteers
Insurance
Developing a Group
Becoming a Limited Company
Becoming a Registered Charity