Affiliated Members

Become a member

CVST offer three levels of membership: Full, Associate and Friend of CVST. Full criteria and benefits are described within the application guidelines. You can download the guidelines and application form from the bottom of this page.

By becoming affiliated to CVST local voluntary and community groups can benefit from the following services:

Newsletter packed with local and national news of voluntary sector gossip, events, government legislation, training opportunities, and fundraising information.
Access to Charitybuilder, a new online service that helps community and voluntary organisations become compliant quickly, easily and it’s free to our members. It includes assistance with Human Resources, Health & Safety, insurance, volunteering and more.
Advice and information – just ask! All questions welcome.
Weekly Funding Advice Workshop – members can pop in with queries about their funding application.
Secretarial services, including photocopying, use of computer facilities, poster and invitation designs, typing.
Hall Hire – meeting room, hall, IT Suite and counselling room at a reduced rate.
Hire of Beach Hut at a reduced rate.
Funderfinder service – a computerised ‘best match’ service which identifies the grant making trust(s) most likely to fund your project.
Opportunity to take part in the Annual Victorian Christmas Market, the Annual Volunteers Awards and “Thank You” Evening, (over 200 attend this evening of dancing to live music with buffet and raffle) Annual Conference, Community Exhibitions and Events.
Library Lending service – books for all voluntary/community group needs such as ‘The Minute Secretary’s Handbook, The Treasurer’s Handbook, The Complete Fundraising Handbook, Organising an event, How to make successful grant applications, Public Speaking and presentations, How to organise an AGM, Working with the media, Recruiting and Supporting Volunteers and many more.
Training events – for example: Role of the Trustee, Customer Care, Making Successful Grant Applications, Data Protection, Forward Planning, Disability Awareness.
Developing partnerships with statutory agencies – we can help groups to work with the District Council, NEE NHS PCT, Essex County Council, Rural Development, Crime and Disorder. We also encourage all partners to sign up to the Local Compact, a process of good practice for partnership working.