DSC's ownership of GuideStar International (GSI) combines the most detailed repository of information about charities and the voluntary sector with the largest publisher of information for those who work in it.

DSC CEO Debra Tyler said: "The potential here is immense. Today an entity was created which can refresh and strengthen our vital sector at a crucial time. We are excited about how GDS' unique service supports our mission of connecting people, and working towards social change. Together we can improve everyone's understanding of what charities are and do in 2010, including politicians and policy makers, academics and the wider public.” Read more. 

How is the recession affecting grantmaking from trusts and foundations?  DSC research shows that many top trusts and foundations are giving more money despite a drop in income, while others still maintain the same level of funding. Read more. 

In our guest editorial, Cath Lee, CEO of Small Charities Coalition, reveals the findings of a survey of small charities, conducted on behalf of HRMC and Charity Commission.  The findings highlight the need for for less taxing VAT rules, Gift Aid reform and more help with governance paperwork, as well as a support service dedicated to helping small charities. Read more.

We are pleased to present a brand new Publishing Guide for our 2010 publications. This year we have been busy producing a raft of new titles for you as well as updating traditional favourites for the Voluntary and Community Sector.

Our online resources are designed to help you boost your income with more sources of funding, more commentary and more analysis than anywhere else. You can find all of our new and best selling books and resources three easy ways: browse publications online, download the PDF or email us for a hard copy. So what are you waiting for?

Each month in 2010 we are featuring one of the 12 nominees from the 2009 Social Change Awards. Learn more about the tremendous work of Teach First, finalist for the Influencer Award, and how they have raised the status of teachers throughout the country at Teach First [pdf document] or go to http://www.teachfirst.org.uk.

• Compact breaches are institutionalised, warns DSC Director of Policy and Research Ben Wittenberg. The case of the recently cancelled Campaigning Grants Programme illustrates how the terms and conditions of government funding too often contradict the Compact; DSC is calling for The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) to review all OTS-funded programmes to ensure their terms and conditions are fully Compact compliant. Read more.
• Everything is changing, so it’s business as usual. DSC Director of Policy and Research Ben Wittenberg examines imminent changes in the funding and political climate, and argues that we will need to make tough decisions on how to maintain our independence so we can continue to change things for the better. Read more.
• Is your workplace a playground for bullies? DSC Web Editor Helene Igwebuike offers a few insights into spotting and addressing the adverse effects of bullying in the work environment. Read more.

Following on with the theme of bullying, the Charitytimes blog discusses confidentiality, the National Bullying Helpline and trust in charities, "Without getting involved in the arguments of whether the National Bullying Helpline story was politically motivated, which I admit is difficult, the decision by the charity’s chief executive Christine Pratt to disclose that her charity received calls from Downing Street staff is a disgrace." Read more at http://www.charitytimes.com/blog/.

A generous donation from Charity Bank, one of our strategic partners for the year, has provided a limited opportunity for charities to secure an annual subscription to DSC’s excellent governmentfunding.org.uk website, at half price. This offer is open to newly subscribing charities only on a first-come first-served basis.

The half price annual single user license costs only £97.50 + VAT. To secure your subscription visit the ‘subscribe’ page, enter your details and the promotional code CB365, and you will access the half price subscription options where you can pay online by card, or request an invoice. 

Join 1,000 of your peers to learn and share at this unmissable event. Charityfair provides affordable, high quality training for everyone in the voluntary sector with a FREE resource area packed with coaching, talks, bookshop, exhibitors, networking and much more.

Join us on 21 & 22 June at our new location, the Hilton London Metropole Hotel in Central London for two full days of training. Sessions start at £20. Can you afford not to go? Click here for full training sessions details and booking.

It’s that time of year when annual reports loom for many of us.  DSC has teamed up with Intelligent Giving to produce FREE best practice guidance on planning and writing your annual report. Go to MyDSC and download report. 

Don't lose you training budget for 2010. Order a DSC voucher now and redeem it against any DSC product or service!

Get the right things done with the time you have
Improving your Time Management  – stop running behind your schedule and start running head. Learn the tools and techniques to manage your time better. The next course is on 16 march in Manchester.
Cartoon by Grizelda

"Follow us on Twitter." "Become a fan on Facebook." "Watch our latest activity on YouTube!"

It seems we are surrounded by connections to the online world of social networking. Online communities are a way to stay connected with your volunteers, funders, employees, beneficiaries, trustees and the wider community.

DSC has recognised the need to understand this new arena and its effects on the voluntary sector. We now offer two training courses to help you step up to the challenge of making the most of social networking. Find out more about ‘How to’ Fundraise from Online Communities and Advanced Online Community Fundraising today.