CRT and Cranfield Trust Launch New Partnership to Strengthen Voluntary Organisations Across Coalfield Communities

A new three-year partnership between the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Cranfield Trust has been launched to provide free support to voluntary organisations in six coalfield regions, supporting people in some of most disadvantaged areas in England.

Backed by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, this partnership will provide support to improve the resilience and sustainability of voluntary organisations who are working in the areas of: community, health, skills, jobs and climate.

This new initiative builds on a strong foundation of nine years of informal collaboration between CRT, the community wealth building charity serving coalfield communities, and Cranfield Trust, the UK’s leading provider of pro bono management consultancy for charities.

Amanda Tincknell, Chief Executive of Cranfield Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to provide management support to charities in coalfield communities, as they provide such vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in their local areas. Through our network of expert volunteers, we’ll be providing professional advice and strategic support to help these organisations become more resilient and better equipped to tackle the pressing issues facing former coalfield areas.”

Andy Lock, Chief Executive of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, added:
“The six coalfield communities that we’ll be targeting are home to many of the most deprived areas in the country. Through this partnership, we’ll strengthen the community organisations working within these areas, improving their sustainability, resilience, and impact. This initiative is about preventing further decline and ensuring these voluntary organisations receive the support they need to reach their full potential.”

What the Partnership Offers

Voluntary organisations across the six regions will benefit from a wide range of free support, including:

• Expert consultancy support from Cranfield Trust in areas such as strategy, operations, financial planning, and governance
• Access to a growing library of free webinars and online learning resources
• In-depth conversations to identify tailored support needs
• Insight data reports to help organisations better understand local challenges and strengthen their funding bids
• Grant finder support and guidance on funding applications
• Opportunities for peer networking and strategic collaboration with other voluntary organisations

This partnership reflects CRT and Cranfield Trust’s shared commitment to building capacity, confidence, and connections within the voluntary sector, ensuring organisations have the support they need to thrive.

If you would like to find out more about our organisational support and our partnerships, visit our CRT Support programme page.

If you would like to find out more about Cranfield Trust, visit their website. 

Back to Latest Updates