NORFOLK & SUFFOLK BROADS CHARITABLE TRUST
BROADS ORGANISATIONS JOIN HANDS
Since 2008, the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads Charitable Trust has raised nearly a quarter of a million pounds to fund fifty-plus projects and create the first four of a network of Broads information points - the Discovery Hubs – which provide a common theme of exploration, education and connectivity.
The challenges facing the Broads are increasingly severe, and the support of civil society organisations and the general public is ever more essential. However, attracting new supporters, volunteers, and donors for campaigns and projects is highly competitive, and adhering to charity regulations can be difficult. Looking ahead, the Trust’s Board has determined that now is the appropriate time to dissolve the Trust and collaborate more closely with the Broads Society, establishing more efficient and effective ways to expand upon the Trust’s work so far.
Under the new arrangement, several former Broads Trust directors and volunteers will be co-opted to the Society’s ranks, strengthening its governance and capacity to reach out to all those who love the Broads. This will ensure a lasting legacy for the Trust’s work while simultaneously helping to raise more funds for Broads projects. Building on the Trust’s efforts, the Society will be able to bid for larger grants and collaborate with more stakeholders in tackling issues such as the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
We are confident that the new arrangement will allow us to achieve more. The Society is converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with limited liability, opening up new partnership opportunities. The CIO’s new strategy will combine the Trust’s expertise in fundraising, education, and public information with the Society’s knowledge of campaigns, events, and publications, creating a more powerful and successful organisation.
This new arrangement will also be more efficient in terms of administration, fundraising, and membership, ensuring that monies raised can be directed to where they can deliver the maximum benefit for the Broads. One organisation, expressing a unified voice and branding, will also be better positioned to communicate clearly with public authorities and the public at large.
While the Broads Trust is closing down, our vital work will continue under the Broads Society, and we hope to count on the continued support of the many individuals and organisations that have helped us in our work to date. As a membership organisation, the Broads Society offers a variety of member benefits, including regular member events and copies of Harnser, the magazine of the Broads Society. Annual Broads Society membership starts at just £20 for individuals, or £30 for family membership. If you would like to learn more and continue supporting our work, please visit https://www.broads-society.org/ to donate or join as a member.