Sage, the Newcastle-based leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses, has chosen the North East to bring its global Sage Foundation Grow programme to the UK for the first time, recognising the region it was founded in.
The programme has provided four North East charities with free expert support over a five-month period, across governance, recruitment, marketing and AI, helping them build more sustainable organisations and reach more people in local communities.
During this time, leaders from 4Louis, FareShare North East, The Meadows and Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project (CVYP) have worked alongside a group of Sage leaders drawing on their expertise to tackle key challenges across areas including business planning, governance, exploring AI, marketing and communications.
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For 4Louis, a Sunderland-based charity supporting families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and child loss, the programme is already leading to changes in how it operates.
CEO Bob McGurrell said: “Sage Foundation Grow has given us fresh perspectives and practical ideas that we’re already putting into action. We’re using what we’ve learned about governance and strategy to make important changes within the charity and put clearer plans in place for the future. It’s helping us work more effectively, make better use of our time and resources, and build a stronger more sustainable organisation that can support more families for years to come.”
Faye Willis, SEND Coordinator at CVYP, added: “Grow has really challenged us to think differently about our organisation. From knowing where to start updating our business plan and mission statement, to expanding our social media activity and having the confidence to explore how AI could help streamline day-to-day tasks. We’re already putting new ideas into practice. It means we can spend less time on admin and more time helping the children and families who need us in South-East Northumberland.”
Newcastle was chosen for the first UK edition of the global programme, reflecting Sage’s deep roots in the region where the business was founded and home of its global headquarters. The UK launch builds on the programme’s global impact, having already supported 25 nonprofits across Spain, the US, Canada and Australia.
“Charities face many of the same challenges as any growing organisation” said Helen Devanny, VP, Sage Foundation. “What they don’t always have is the time, money or support to step back and work through those challenges and that’s where Sage Foundation Grow helps. By bringing charity leaders and Sage leaders together to share skills, experience and fresh perspectives to help these brilliant organisations spend more time doing what they do best – supporting people in their communities.”
