Not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in the Dubbo region will be able to access free support through the work of the locally-based, independent, certified social enterprise, NFP Guide.

NFPs, volunteers, boards and committees can access two streams of support through this pro bono work – advisory services and events.

If you haven’t heard of them, NFP Guide is based in Dubbo, receives no government funding, and reinvests 100 per cent of profits into the business to support the community.

“Our theory of change is to build resilient, sustainable and adaptive communities,” said CEO Natalie Bramble.

“We know that the best way to invest in this impact is to provide for staff and volunteers the support and guidance needed to govern, fund and manage their organisations,” she added.

In the advisory services support stream, NFP Guide will offer 30-minute complimentary advisory sessions with a governance, grant, or tender specialist, either in-person in Dubbo or online.

This would help those organisations with questions about committee and board governance, conflict management, grant or tender writing, constitutions, how to establish a social enterprise, and so on.

In the NFP network and events stream, NFP Guide will offer regular opportunities for anyone working, volunteering or wanting to volunteer with NFPs and charities in the Dubbo region to connect.

This has developed from feedback from the inaugural Volunteer Expo the NFP Guide team delivered in 2024, and is about strengthening local connections, creating peer support networks, and further developing community relationships.

A minimum of four in-person events will be held each year, and the first of these took place on September 25 in Dubbo. A diverse range community organisations including creative and cultural groups, multicultural groups, and event organisers participated.

Manager Kellie Jennar said the NFP Guide is pleased to be able to support local charities and NFPs.

“We believe regional, small, grassroots, and volunteer-run organisations should be able to access expert guidance they need to continue their important work in the community,” she said.

Natalie Bramble concurs.

“We are driven by our passion and care for the community sector and the groups and organisations that make communities healthy and vibrant, particularly in the Dubbo region where we live and work,” Ms Bramble concluded.