Sam Holdsworth, Clowns Without Borders
Leading a small charity is amazing, but can be tough - I know, because I’ve done it.
With 20 years of hands-on experience in small charities, I’ve faced the same fires you’re putting out: the funding gaps, the governance headaches, the never-ending to-do list. That’s exactly why I created this course - to give you the tools I wish I’d had.
Lead your small charity with clarity, confidence, and less overwhelm.
Inside this course, you’ll find practical guidance, ready-to-use resources, and a designed structure that helps you work smarter - not harder.
Go at your own pace, dip in when you need it, and feel more in control of your leadership.
Liam Starkey, CEO, The Inclusive Hub CIC
You're running a small organisation that's doing genuinely good work in the world - but the behind-the-scenes side of things? That's where it starts to feel a bit overwhelming.
Maybe you're a Founder or Co-Founder who's relatively new to running an organisation and you're still trying to work out what you're supposed to be doing and in what order.
Maybe you've been doing this for years and, if you're honest with yourself, it's always felt a bit like flying by the seat of your pants and you'd like a bit of a field-guide.
Or maybe you have a decent grasp of the basics, but you know there are gaps in your knowledge and you'd like to fill them without it eating up all of your time and energy.
Running a small organisation that does good in the world comes with a unique set of challenges.
You're often wearing multiple hats, juggling a hundred different responsibilities, and trying to make a real difference all at the same time.
And somewhere in the middle of all that, your own wellbeing can easily get pushed to the back of the queue.
That's exactly why Small Charity Essentials E-Learning™️ was created.
It doesn't matter whether your organisation is an
unregistered group
a registered charity
a Community Interest Company (CIC),
or something else entirely.
So, does this sound like you? This course is for you if you...
Feel like you're constantly learning on the job, but never quite catching up
Are the founder or co-founder of a small organisation and sometimes wonder if you're doing this "right"
Have been running your organisation for a while now, but it still feels like you're making it up as you go
Want to brush up on the core functions of running an organisation, but don't know where to start
Care deeply about your cause but feel like the admin and management side is holding you back
Are wearing too many hats and it's starting to take its toll on your wellbeing
Know your organisation is doing important work, but feel like it could run so much more smoothly
Want to build something sustainable - not just for your organisation, but for yourself too
Have tried to find training or resources before, but nothing has quite felt right for a small org like yours
Feel like you're in this alone and sometimes wish someone would just show you the roadmap.
You're not alone in feeling this way and you definitely don't have to keep guessing.
A lot of people assume that running a small charity or social organisation has to be complicated. It really, truly doesn't have to be and I can show you how.
Small Charity Essentials E-Learning™️ gives you the formula, core knowledge, the practical tools, and the confidence to run your organisation well without burning yourself out in the process.
It's straightforward, it's flexible, and it's built specifically with small organisations in mind.
6 focused, practical modules of video and written content you can complete any time
Downloadable templates and cheat sheets to save you hours
Real-world strategies that actually work in small, stretched teams
The confidence to make smart decisions and stop second-guessing
Learning not only from me, but from other sector experts who bring their specialist knowledge to each module
Neil Shashoua, Manager, Lloyds Bank Foundation
Build strong foundations from the start.
Recruit and support trustees and volunteers
Put the right systems in place
Set up good governance without the guesswork
Get clear on where you’re going and how you’ll get there.
Find your North Star
Use needs assessments & co-production
Map it all out with a simple Theory of Change
Confidently shape programmes that deliver real impact.
Plan strong, structured programmes
Use logical frameworks
Monitor and evaluate without drowning in data
Get your numbers working for you, not against you.
Build full-cost recovery budgets
Use stretch budgeting to guide your fundraising
Track your finances with confidence
Raise funds and tell your story with purpose and personality.
Build multi-income fundraising strategies
Nail your messaging and brand
Connect with the right audiences online
Small charity leadership can be tough - but it can be joyful.
Keep developing your charity (and yourself)
Manage the juggle
Prioritise wellbeing without guilt
Know where to turn for support
Joanne Manville, The Indispendary
I’ve spent 20 years in the small charity sector, leading through chaos, learning the hard way, and earning a Master’s in Charity Management (graduating in the top 10% of my class).
I turned a charity in crisis into a multi-award-winning organisation that supported more people in one year than in the previous 20 combined.
I've been a small charity trustee for over a decade and now I spend my time training 1,000s of small charity leaders like you.
In 2023 I was named one of the top 'Women Making a Difference in The Charity Sector' by Charity Times.
I'm proud to have worked with organisations like Lloyds Bank Foundation, Restless Development and Voluntary Action Sheffield - who have all invested in Small Charity Essentials E-Learning™️ training for the small organisations they support.
Now I’ve distilled everything I’ve learned into this course - so you can skip the overwhelm and lead with confidence from day one.