Funding Summit for Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprises 2026: Babergh

Building on the success of last year’s summits, we are delighted to invite you to a dynamic and collaborative in-person event designed to support, inspire and empower Suffolk’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector across Babergh.

This informative and engaging half-day event brings together local leaders, funders, trustees, staff and volunteers to share insights, build meaningful connections and strengthen the collective impact of our communities.

Booking Information

Places are limited to two representatives per organisation, and advance booking for the event, workshops and Learning Exchange Tables is essential.

Arrival and registration: From 9.00am
Programme starts: 9.30am
View the full programme:

https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VCFSE-Summit-babergh-5-october-prog-final.pdf

Once your event booking is confirmed, you will receive an email containing links to reserve your workshop place. Workshop capacity is limited, so we encourage you to book your preferred session as soon as possible.

Information about booking your Learning Exchange Tables will be sent closer to the event. Participants will be able to pre-book up to three small-group discussion sessions from a choice of eight facilitated tables.

Hosted By

Community Action Suffolk, in partnership with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils (Working Together) and Suffolk Community Foundation.

What to Expect
~ Interactive Workshops (Choose One)
~ Workshop 1: Measuring What Matters – Impact and Monitoring
Facilitated by Jen Milner, Community Action Suffolk

Explore practical approaches to measuring, evidencing and communicating the impact of your organisation’s work.
~ Workshop 2: Built With, Not For – Effective Community Consultation
Facilitated by Phil Martin, Community Action Suffolk
Learn how meaningful community engagement can strengthen services, projects and funding applications.

~ Learning Exchange Tables: Meet the Funders and Support Providers, Small-Group discussions
Gain valuable insights into funding opportunities, support programmes and resources available to your organisation. Take part in up to three facilitated small-group discussions led by funders and sector experts. These interactive sessions provide an opportunity to:

Ask questions in an informal setting
Share experiences and ideas with peers
Explore key topics in greater depth
Learn directly from funders and specialists

Connect directly with representatives from:

Babergh and Mid Suffolk Grants Team
Community Action Suffolk
National Grid
Suffolk County Council
Suffolk Community Foundation
The National Lottery Community Fund

Please note that these sessions are discussion-based and are not one-to-one funding surgeries. Places must be booked in advance on the day.

Lunch and Networking
Enjoy a relaxed networking lunch and take the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues, partners and peers from across the VCFSE sector.

View the full programme:

https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VCFSE-Summit-babergh-5-october-prog-final.pdf

Car Parking and arrival:
Parking is limited immediately outside the Village Hall. We kindly request that you do not park outside the village hall as it can cause difficulties for people using the multi-purpose site. Please park in the larger car park as you enter by the Cock Horse pub. All day charge is £2.50. There are 3 other car parks in Lavenham. A free car park in Water Street, free parking in the square, Paid parking behind the Angel Pub.

Accessibility
Lavenham Village Hall is a welcoming multi-purpose venue with step-free access throughout the spaces we will be using.

The main programme will take place in a large, open room, with presentations for approximately 80 to 100 attendees. Participants will be seated at tables of 8 to 10 people. Workshops will be delivered across two rooms, each accommodating 40 to 50 participants. For the table learning small group discussions, facilitators will be seated alongside participants at tables of 8 to 10 people to encourage conversation and shared learning.

The venue also provides:

Step-free access to all event spaces
An accessible toilet
On-site parking, 1 minute walk from the community centre.

For those travelling by public transport, take the regular Boomerang bus route 753 from Sudbury bus station (taking about 30 minutes) or Bury St Edmunds, alighting near The Swan hotel, followed by a short 5-minute walk up the High Street and onto Church Street

If additional information of the venue, or details about accessibility would help you feel more comfortable attending, please contact the event organiser, Jacqui Wilkinson [email protected] or 01473 345400. We will do our best to provide further information and discuss any access requirements in advance of the network meeting.