Thinking of organising an event, conference or a workshop? Do you want loyal fans who return again and again for your products or services? Many events fall flat because they’re all about the presenters. There’s no food, no real interaction, and no space to network. If you want your event...
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Get Your Project Funded – Tips for Successful Grant Applications
Whether it’s through government departments, philanthropic organisations, industry bodies, research councils or sector specific grant givers, there’s probably a grant out there for you. There are grants available to get your project funded. The problem is others will also be looking for the same bucket of money. The successful grant...
The Wisdom is in the room
They say the wisdom is in the room. I’ve never seen that statement ring truer than in a recent planning workshop I had the privilege to facilitate. A Group with Passion but No Road Map An arts group that had been active for more than 20 years asked me to...
Nine Rules of engagement for community partnerships
So you are planning to work with others for a community joint venture/partnership. Or you maybe considering working more closely with other groups to share resources and services. Everything seems fine at the start. However, things can get complicated very quickly. You may end up disappointed or worse still, left...
Community Research
Community Research When organisations approach us to carry out market research, one of the biggest challenges they face is relevance. There’s often a gap between what they offer and what clients actually want. Plenty of other organisations provide similar services—sometimes with more attractive propositions. Many of the groups we work...
The Burnley Backyard Opening
Old World Community Values for the Modern Era Back in 2011, the City of Yarra Council owned a derelict property on a corner block in a popular area. The land had previously been home to the Burnley Neighbourhood House. The council planned to sell the block to developers. The community...
Five reasons you need a strategic plan and how to use it to get results
“Why pay for a professional facilitator when we can do it ourselves for next to nothing?” Many organisations ask this question. After all, putting together a strategic plan seems simple enough. But here’s the catch: most plans fail not because they weren’t written, but because they weren’t followed. The way...
Grants are not the only way
Listening First: Why People Look for Grants When I’m approached by someone or an organisation looking for a grant, I start with questions. Then, I listen. I listen for the real reason they’re seeking funding. Sometimes it’s a lifeline. Other times, it’s an investment in a new idea, a way...