Championing Dorset’s Voluntary and Community Sector
We’re a member led organisation, where our members are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring we are accountable to and representative of the voluntary and community sector.
Membership is free and open to all, whether you’re a micro community group, large national charity or someone working within the local authority or NHS, we are here for you.
Here’s what our members say about us:
I joined Poole Waste Not Want Not in 2021 when it was in an unstable position. The support and funding advice I received from CAN has been instrumental in the growth of our charity.
CAN’s help has been invaluable on everything from our policies and procedures to developing our roles and knowledge as trustees. We now understand how our constitution relates to day-to-day operations which puts us in a much stronger position.
CAN help to promote our volunteering vacancies and support us with advice on managing our wonderful volunteers. Their free webinars and networking groups are fun and a great chance to be with other volunteer managers in similar roles so we can share ideas and collaborate.
Our growing membership brings us tremendous intelligence and insight about both the voluntary and public sector that we share widely and also ensures we are representative and accountable.
With a board of volunteer trustees, primarily drawn from the local charities and community groups, leading us in our member-driven approach, helping us to reflect the sector we serve and reinforcing our commitment to everyone involved.
We’re passionate about the value of voluntary organisations, charities and community groups to change lives and build strong communities, so we provide leadership for the sector, bringing people together to collaborate across all sectors.
We have therefore made the commitment to offer our membership to the VCS and our public sector colleagues for free removing all barriers to accessing our support.
We have 3 membership options:
Full membership
For charities, community groups and not-for-profits working in Dorset. Join now for access to a range of benefits that can help your organisation flourish …
Affiliate membership
For local NHS, Councils and statutory partners plus charities or organisations outside Dorset. Connecting your team to our vibrant voluntary and community sector…
Business Supporter membership
For local businesses with a ‘social conscience’ to connect with like-minded groups and colleagues …
How to sign up - video help
Step-by-step through the Full membership sign up process …
Members' stories
We work with a diverse range of organisations – here are just a few of them describing how we’ve helped …
Membership responsibilities
We are privileged to support our membership every step of the way, and members can help support us in return…