Building a Better Future Together
At Third Sector Connect we aim to partner with and support organisations to maximise their impact across their community, making sure their vision, aims and objective are delivered in the effective, sustainable and focused manner. We are a Northern Ireland based consultancy business, specialising in fundraising and capacity building support for Third Sector Organisations. The company has been formed to provide the sector Strategic, Effective and Caring fundraising support.
‘Third sector organisations’ is a term used to describe the range of organisations that are neither public sector nor private sector. It includes voluntary and community organisations (both registered charities and other organisations such as associations, self-help groups and community groups), social enterprises, mutuals and co-operatives.
Edward Hanna
Edward brings over 20 years of experience working within and supporting the community, voluntary, and cultural sectors. He has held several public appointments and has been privileged to chair several charities, social enterprises, and businesses throughout his career.
Edward possesses a diverse range of skills, from securing funding and strategic planning to training development and governance support. He has extensive experience in delivering good relations programmes, having worked on PEACE programmes for many years. He also played a key role in supporting the development of PEACEPLUS Action Plans for various councils across Northern Ireland, helping them secure nearly £10 million in funding and conducting evaluations of PEACE IV programmes.
Over the past decade, Edward has trained and supported over 5,000 local volunteers, introducing them to the world of ‘local civic leadership’. He has also mentored hundreds of active leaders, both locally and globally.
Qualifications:
- LLB in Law & Politics
- BA in Modern History & Geography
- PG Diploma in Community Development
- MS in Business Analysis & Consulting
- Certificate in Global Leadership, Boston College
RICHARD FORSYTHE
Richard has extensive experience leading projects in collaboration with councils and community organisations, supporting them in developing strategies, action plans, and funding applications. With two decades of experience in the third sector, Richard’s expertise spans Training, Funding, Strategy, Research, Project Development, and Capacity Building. Over the years, he has successfully delivered numerous evaluations, community development, and good relations programmes, particularly through his involvement in PEACE Programmes.
In the last 18 months at TSC, Richard has worked closely with numerous councils in Northern Ireland, helping them develop action plans and strategies. He has also collaborated with over 50 football clubs across Northern Ireland, from NIFL Premiership clubs to grassroots teams. Richard is particularly skilled in supporting sports clubs to develop business cases for capital projects, such as 3G pitches and community hubs, as well as helping them attract funding for good relations and community development programmes. Additionally, he works part-time with the Irish Football Association, helping them access funding for various participation programmes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Humanities (Ulster University
- Diploma in Community Development (SRC)
- Cross Community Sports Development Award (University of Brighton)
- Theoretical Approaches to Leadership and Management (Queen’s University)
- Managing Cultural Conflicts (Queen’s University)
- Institute of Fundraising – Introductory Certificate in Fundraising
Gavin Nelson MBA
Managing Director
At TSC, Gavin has successfully led numerous projects for several councils in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. His work includes the development of strategies and action plans, village plans, good relations audits, and funding applications. Through his efforts, he has helped councils secure over £10 million in funding and has supported community organisations and sports clubs in securing additional funding – including over £400,000 for one client.
Prior to joining TSC, Gavin worked at the Irish FA as a Business Manager and also worked at the English Football Association for many years.
He also serves on the boards of the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland and Groundwork NI, a community development charity. Gavin was selected as one of 25 leaders from across Northern Ireland to participate in Ulster University’s 25 @ 25 Leadership Programme, aimed at shaping the next 25 years in Northern Ireland following the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.
Qualifications:
- Executive Master of Business Administration (Ulster University)
- Entrepreneurial Thought and Action (Babson College)
- Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (Chartered Management Institute)
- Mental Health First Aid Qualification
- Certificate in Football Management (UEFA/Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration)
- Carbon Literacy Standard Training
- Mental Health First Aid