VOLUNTEER groups looking for advice and support on how to raise funds are invited to a special event.

The free Meet the Funders event will offer advice about how to identify grant-making bodies, how to contact them and how to improve the chances of writing a successful bid at a time when all voluntary groups are struggling to make ends meet.

The event will be hosted by eVOLution, Darlington Borough Council and Tees Valley Rural Community on Tuesday, March 4, at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, in Market Place, Darlington.

A number of high profile funders including the Big Lottery Fund, the Arts Council, The Heritage Lottery Fund and Tees Valley Sport will attend the meeting to offer one-to-one advice on funding bids.

Karen Grundy, executive director of eVOLution, said: “This will be a fantastic event and we look forward to helping the many voluntary sector organisations across Darlington get face-to-face contact with major funding bodies to help them learn the best ways to achieve success in securing financial support.

“There is funding out there for organisations, and we want to make sure that local groups have the best possible chance of securing funding to help them develop.

There will be two sessions between 10am and noon and 1pm to 4pm.

Places at the event are limited and places must be booked in advance by contacting Fiona Chesters at eVOLution on 01325-266888 or email fiona.chesters@evolutiondarlington.com