It’s a New Year – and a good chance to try new things to help your community group or charity. Here’s 26 ideas Bo’ness groups could try in 2026.
- Showcase your volunteers and work. Post “behind the scenes” stories on your social media feeds once a week.
- Attend a local networking event every quarter. CVS Falkirk highlights events https://www.cvsfalkirk.org.uk/events/
- Attend The Gathering in Edinburgh this February. It’s the “largest free voluntary sector event in the UK”. https://scvo.scot/the-gathering
- Create some 30 second smartphone videos rather than glossy brochures to promote your work.
- Answer frequently asked questions through a page on your website – in text form or through videos.
- If you have premises, update your Google My Business profile on Google Maps to help people find you. See https://business.google.com/en-all/business-profile/
- Use AI tools like ChatGPT to help you draft grant applications – but remember to “human check” the output.
- Go green. Create a simple environmental policy. Get inspiration from larger charities.
- Recycle tech. Rather than buy new laptops, buy refurbished equipment – or breathe new life into an old laptop by installing Google OS Flex (it turns an old Windows machine into a Chromebook clone). https://chromeos.google/intl/en_uk/products/chromeos-flex/
- Host a simple coffee morning. Invite supporters and ask them what they’d like you to do.
- If you don’t have a website, get something. Don’t just rely on Facebook. And if you do have a website, refresh it. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
- Regularly share stats on your success on the homepage of your website.
- Share equipment with a neighbouring charity to save money.
- Also partner with other local groups to do joint events or training seminars.
- Use online tools to like https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ to raise money.
- Encourage supporters to run Facebook / Instagram fundraisers.
- Regularly thank supporters for their help in cash and kind through social media and letters to the local papers.
- Improve your “elevator pitch”. Write one sentence that explains who you help, where, and why it matters.
- Try to avoid jargon in all your communications. If you do need to use specialist terms, explain them.
- Use the same logo, colours, and tone across social media, emails, and printed materials – even if they’re basic.
- Build relationships with reporters and editors covering Bo’ness and the wider Falkirk area, including local news sites, community Facebook pages, and newsletters. Share stories about people, not just projects.
- Ask trustees to share key posts, events, or appeals through their own LinkedIn or community networks.
- Try to get people who use your services on your board or committee.
- Send a quarterly email update to supporters – and use tools like Mailchimp to manage your email list.
- Tell funders what changed – and not just what you did. Try to highlight the impact of your work.
- Be kind. Make sure volunteers are looked after and supported.
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