net:gain supports the voluntary and community sector

The Titanic Heritage Trust was set up in 2005 to preserve the heritage of the Titanic and to establish a heritage centre before 2012, the Titanic’s 100th anniversary. It is a membership organisation with both national and international members. The trust is involved in giving lectures and talks and celebrated the 95th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic with a commemorative stamp and a service of remembrance in Coventry Cathedral. The trust is currently working on raising its profile, the BBC are already contacting them for advice and research, and focussing on fundraising to build a permanent heritage centre to open in
2012.

The founder and manager, Howard Nelson, knew he needed support, but had found that most training and events focussed on the private sector, with little available to support charities. After completing the net:gain programme he said “‘Finding an organisation that looks kindly on charities and charity groups was
like a breath of fresh air.”

He was attracted to the programme by the potential discounts available on software and attended the net:gain programme at Holbrooks Community Care Association (HCCA). He found the three sessions that he attended at the centre very useful and very interesting. He said “It was a very, very wise decision to
get involved and I’m sure we will continue to reap the benefits in future.”

As well as gaining access to discounted software and hardware he has found the access to training and the on-line grants forum very beneficial.

Resulting initiatives include:

• Clearer formulation of aims and goals
• Access to correct and up to date information on grants and funding
• Possible joint venture with a local theatre group
• Standardised documents
• Improved access to information
• Improved information sharing

Howard’s top tip for success:

• Try to make use of the facilities as often and as soon as you can

“Definitely the best forty quid I’ve spent this year, that’s for sure.”