The power of networking in the Third Sector
- The Charity Hub
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
For charities, CICs, and non-profits, delivering services and meeting demand is only one part of the puzzle. The other key part is connection. Networking isn’t just about meeting people, it’s about forming partnerships, sharing ideas, and creating opportunities for collaboration that can amplify your impact across communities.
Networking sits at the core of what we do. Whether you're a grassroots CIC or an established charity, we believe there’s unmatched value in bringing people together under one roof.
Why does networking matter?
Networking events offer a platform for charities to raise their profile, promote their services, and attract new supporters or partners.
By engaging with other organisations, you're exposed to different ways of working, lessons learned, and creative solutions that you can adapt to your own projects.
Charity-to-charity collaborations and business partnerships are often born out of casual conversations at networking events. These collaborations often lead to joint funding bids, shared training, or combined delivery of services.
- The third sector can be isolating. Meeting others who understand the challenges you face as a charity leader or volunteer can be hugely uplifting.
What do the numbers say?
According to a 2023 NCVO sector report:
81% of small charities said collaborations with other organisations helped them maintain services during funding cuts.
1 in 3 third sector leaders cited networking and peer support as one of the biggest sources of professional development.
And when it comes to The Charity Hub’s own events, we’ve seen a 60% increase in cross-organisational partnerships formed through our Doncaster and Rotherham networking sessions alone.
How to get involved
If you’re a charity or CIC operating in South Yorkshire, The Charity Hub runs monthly networking events that are free to attend. You’ll hear from inspiring guest speakers, meet like-minded people, and build connections that can lead to real, impactful change.
