Sue Newton, Chair of Trustees, addressed attendees at the Annual General Meeting of LCVS | United Way on Thursday 15 December 2011.
She outlined the challenges of the year from major funding cuts and the loss of 60% of our workforce. Successes include continued funding of Capacity Building and Community Accountancy services, two main LCVS supports for voluntary groups. Community Engagement and Local Involvement Networks continue to work with over 2,000 not-for-profit organisations in networking and advocacy on issues of concern.
We have always promoted philanthropy and provided opportunities for people to give to charity in a tax efficient way, through various avenues including personal registered charitable trusts which we administer. Last year we distributed £3.4 m to local causes through our grant assessment and distribution channels.
We are now the United Way UK, joining 1,800 organisations in 40 other countries in the United Way Worldwide movement, all with a common mission. This is the biggest non-governmental organisation in the world; quite a force for good. Our building, 151 Dale Street, operates as a hub for the Voluntary and Community Sector, and we were proud when the Earl of Wessex officially opened it in May this year.