NAVCA members are local infrastructure organisations. They work with and support their local voluntary sectors in many ways, and are a catalyst for change to enable communities to flourish.

Our members’ work is diverse and different, reflecting the needs of each local community. We worked with members to identify four broad categories that local infrastructure organisations work within. These are the Four Functions of Local Infrastructure, and we encourage NAVCA members to use them to help describe what they do.

From coordinating and signposting volunteers, to bringing the voice and expertise of the sector to strategic partnerships, NAVCA members play a vital role bringing people together to make a positive impact.

NAVCA members strengthen volunteering locally, support vulnerable and marginalised communities, and build capacity through training and resource provision.

Read more about the Four Functions of Infrastructure below.

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Leadership and advocacy:

Local infrastructure organisations are leaders in their communities, strengthening our sector’s voice and influence on key decision-makers and funders. They support and empower vulnerable and marginalised communities, working towards a more equal society.

NAVCA member CVS Tendring

NAVCA member Community Action Suffolk

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Partnerships and collaborations:

Local infrastructure organisations create opportunities for collaborative working by building networks and partnerships between local organisations and strategic partners. Through nurturing these relationships, communities are better equipped in both the development of ongoing projects and times of crisis.

A symbol of two people talking to each other, one is offering the other support and has a speech bubble with a heart in it, there is a red circle around the symbol

Capacity building:

When local voluntary and community organisations have access to practical support, people and communities become more resilient and able to flourish. Local infrastructure organisations can provide training, resources or advice to facilitate community development.

NAVCA member Community Action Dacorum

NAVCA member Sandwell CVO

A symbol of a person with their hand up to volunteer, in a red circle

Volunteering:

Volunteering is integral to thriving communities. Local infrastructure organisations encourage and nurture volunteering opportunities, so that people can build connections and work together on things they care about, driving positive change locally.

We collaborate with and support our members across their different areas of work. Read more about how we work with members by exploring our website.