The third sector is under pressure. We’re expected to do more with less. We’re navigating endless admin, chasing funding, and firefighting just to stay afloat. But what if there was a better way?
Recently, three changemakers – Paul Stepczak from Cwmpas, Tanya Anderson from My Edinburgh and Kevin Lovelady from Partnering for Purpose CIC, – came together to share how their approaches are helping charities, CICs, and grassroots groups rethink how they operate.
You can watch a quick overview of their online presentations here
or the full video here.
Each offers a different lens – but all share a common goal: to help third sector organisations not just survive, but thrive.
🧭 Paul: Asset Mapping for Clarity and Confidence
Paul introduced a practical, powerful tool – the Asset Map, based on the Sustainable Livelihoods Toolkit. It helps organisations list out the assets they already have: social networks, human skills, public services, physical resources, and financial options.
When Paul was made redundant in 2016, he used this tool to identify four different income streams – and start a new career.
“If I can do it alone, imagine what’s possible if we combine our assets across a team, organisation, or community.”
It’s not just a list – it’s a roadmap to self-reliance and strategic action.
💻 Kevin: Digital Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Kevin shared his Digital Capacity Escalator, a five-step framework that shows how to move from “just about coping” to “digitally confident”.
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start where you are. There are low-cost and even free tools to:
- Reduce admin and repetition
- Automate follow-ups and reminders
- Centralise data with simple CRMs
- Improve reporting and funding bids
“Digital isn’t just for big charities. It’s about doing what you already do — just more efficiently.”
One small improvement can free up time and headspace to focus on what really matters: your impact.
🤝 Tanya: The Impact Pyramid and Ecosystem Thinking
Tanya introduced the Impact Pyramid, a model developed by My Edinburgh to nurture sustainable collaboration.
Too often, partnerships are short-lived or tokenistic. The pyramid invites us to build mentoring, collaboratives, and initiatives in a flexible ecosystem of mutual support.
“Charities are like businesses. They have brilliant ideas, but need the right kind of support at the right time – like a ‘DIY SOS’ for the third sector.”
Her recent partnership with universities, funders, and community centres showed what’s possible when organisations work together from idea to implementation.
🌱 Start Where You Are
These tools aren’t theoretical. They’re practical. They’re already working. And they’re designed for small and medium-sized organisations – not just the big players.
By combining asset mapping, digital progress, and collaborative ecosystems, we can unlock new income streams, simplify operations, and build a more connected, resilient third sector.
🔗 Ready to explore how these ideas could work for your organisation? Follow Paul, Tanya and Kevin on LinkedIn, or drop us a message to get involved in the next collaborative session.
Let’s not just survive – let’s thrive.