Funding Summit for Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprises 2026: Mid Suffolk

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 Mid Suffolk.

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 9.15am
Programme starts: 9.30am
View the full programme: https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-BMSDC-Funding-Summit-211026-Mid-Suffolk.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.

Participants will be able to pre-book on the day up to three Learning exchange tables: meet the experts, small-group discussion sessions from a choice of nine 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
Take part in up to three facilitated small-group discussions led by funders and sector experts. Gain valuable insights into funding opportunities, support programmes and resources available to your organisation. 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

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

Connect directly with representatives from:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk Grants Team
Community Action Suffolk
Heritage Lottery Fund
St Elizabeth’s Hospice Community Fundraising Team
Suffolk County Council
Suffolk Community Foundation

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/2026/08/2026-BMSDC-Funding-Summit-211026-Mid-Suffolk.pdf

Car Parking and arrivals:
To help ease congestion on this shared site, which includes a neighbouring school, we kindly ask that you do not arrive before 9.15am. The car park is particularly busy earlier in the morning, and parking is usually much easier after this time.

Accessibility
Debenham Community Centre 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
A cycle shelter

For those travelling by public transport, the 116 bus service and High Suffolk Community Transport Route 3 both stop at the entrance to the car park.

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.