The organisation
Curious by Nature CIC was set up in 2021. They provide outdoor learning activities for children and families, mainly in Beckton.
The person
Ilona Saber is a founder and co-director.
The ask
When Curious by Nature first contacted Compost Newham they had received PPP funding and required support for organisational development and help with other grant applications. Towards the end of Compost Newham they needed support around governance and liaising with the council about anti-social behaviour and proposed improvements to the woodland where they ran their activities.
Our response
Curious by Nature had previously been supported through Compost London’s Nourish Fund to establish themselves as a Community Interest Company (CIC). Compost Newham identified potential funders through a Grant Finder search and reviewed an application for HAF funding. We responded to questions about governance and did our best to help them liaise with relevant council officers to resolve the anti-social behaviour issues and improve the area.
Their feedback
llona told us support from Compost Newham had developed her skills and improved her and the Curious By Nature team’s ability to complete grant application forms. Improving her knowledge about governance and structure enabled the organisation’s growth and development. Support from Compost Newham was “proactive and very positive”. The organisation is now clearer about their internal structures and therefore more stable.
What they think the sector needs going forwards
Compost Newham has enabled groups to be more aware of each other and what is going on in Newham. Fundraising, organisational development and scaling up of groups are services that Curious by Nature would like to see continue.
They would like to see Newham Council creating more awareness and greater recognition of the voluntary sector, with improved co-ordination and co-production with teams within Newham Council.
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