Welcome to NFP Guide Foundation

We all want resilient, inclusive and adaptable communities with sustainable organisations.

NFP Guide Foundation exists to support community leaders, strengthen our communities and build sustainable organisations.

Why we do what we do: We know that small to medium sized organisations, particularly social enterprises and volunteer-led locally governed organisations rely on skilled people. Some aren’t able to access affordable support at the time they need it.  Staff and volunteers who lead these locally governed groups often face immense pressure, juggling complex responsibilities from fundraising and governance to human resources and compliance. This can lead to significant stress, burnout, and professional and personal social isolation, impacting their mental well-being, the organisation and the community they serve.

We find many locally governed social enterprises and volunteer organisations, especially smaller ones, operate with limited resources. They often rely on volunteers to deliver sometimes complex projects and on people who may not have prior business or management experience in the industry. There are often also limited opportunities for groups to connect, share learnings and opportunities. It’s often said that volunteers get on committees and boards to make a difference, and find themselves unexpectedly navigating intricate legal, financial, operational and human resource complexities. 

This demanding environment can lead to:

• Overwhelming Stress and Burnout: The constant pressure of limited people and resources, resulting in the need to take on multiple roles, coupled with the personal investment in their cause, can take a heavy toll on mental health, often spilling into personal lives and leading to feelings of isolation.
• Social Isolation: Lack of opportunities to connect with peers, share lessons, resources and networks increases a sense of isolation and a feeling that people are doing it all alone.
• Capacity Gaps: A lack of essential skills in areas like fundraising, strategic planning, and robust governance can hinder an organisation’s ability to grow, secure funding, and achieve its mission effectively.
• Governance Complexities: Understanding and implementing sound governance practices is crucial for sustainability and compliance, yet it’s often an area where small organisations lack expertise and support .

Our purpose is clear: to improve the mental well-being for people in locally-governed organisations and support them to build connections, resources and capacity to effectively manage, fund, and govern their organisations.