Saving money

In today's economic climate it is important to look at making savings.

This page suggests ways to save you money and sources of free or low cost support.

First of all make sure that you:

• check you are getting the best rates on gas, electric, water, insurance etc.
• tap into free energy audits and energy improvement systems
• check whether a franking machine is better value if you send a lot of letters
• even better use e-mail 
• share car journeys
• check if train/bus fares are cheaper than car travel but factor in your time
• shop around for minibus hire
• buy in bulk or share with someone else to get best value
• if you use projectors etc. rarely, see if it is cheaper to hire them 
• can you tap into cheap potocopying- try your CVSD
• check on local recycling organisations - donate and buy*
• don't pay too much for training - your CVS will have details or come to fit4funding!

*Re-Work is the first office furniture social enterprise in Yorkshire, providing chairs, tables, desks, filing cabinets, shelving and pedestals etc.
Tel: 0113 272 1341 Email: sales@reworkleeds.co.uk      www.reworkleeds.co.uk

Refurbishment

The Why Waste? Website is a free online waste exchange that can be used to find useful items and materials from businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber including building materials, wood and timber and furniture and fittings - see www.whywaste.org.uk.

Recycled paint is available from  www.communityrepaint.org.uk.

B & Q has a good reputation for providing in-kind support - ask in store for the shop manager or environmental champion.

Information Technology (see also under Funding IT)

SavaComp is a not-for-profit organisation, which makes refurbished and recycled computer equipment available to charities and voluntary and community groups at low cost. Telephone 01535 662089
Webform at http://tinyurl.com/yed7c3u (URL shortened using TinyURL)
Website: http://www.savacomp.org.uk/

BT Community Connections provides internet-ready computers to a variety of voluntary groups, together with a contribution towards the cost of 12 months' internet access. Organisations must be able to demonstrate that they would use the internet in an innovative way - see www.btcommunityconnections.com.

The Microsoft Giving Programme makes a limited number of donations of up to three software products to charities and community groups each year, with a focus on projects that enhance access to technology for disadvantaged communities. Applicants should give a brief outline of their organisation and how the programme might assist it, together with the software titles required and registered charity number where applicable. Email ukgiving@microsoft.com.

Community Website Builder allows registered charities, non-profit-making organisations and volunteer-led groups and organisations to build and maintain their own websites free of charge. See www.communitykit.co.uk.

Contributions.org.uk offers charities and non-profit-making organisations discounted web hosting, web design and content management. Web space costs 60 per year for 500mb, which is a 50% discount for charities.

Free to Charities will develop, host and maintain the websites of voluntary and community groups free of charge, if they supply the content. More details on www.freetocharities.org.uk.

Adobe offers charities discounts of up to 65% on software - more details at http://www.charitytimes.com/pages/ct_e_newsalerts/adobe/index.htm

ProHelp is a network of 1,000 professional firms that have offered to provide advice and strategic support to community and voluntary groups and organisations in the area. Members include surveyors, accountants, architects, consultants and PR, marketing and design agencies. More details on www.prohelp.org.uk.

Project support Volunteers undertake a one-off project or piece of work that can help community groups improve their surroundings or achieve better service provision. More information from Trish Rogers on 0113 205 8245 or trish.rogers@bitc.org.uk

In Kind Direct (www.inkinddirect.org) redistributes goods donated by manufacturers to voluntary organisations at low cost. These include toiletries, cleaning supplies, household appliances, toys and educational items, office supplies, tools and computer supplies, which can be selected from an online catalogue.