Charities and voluntary groups across Brighton and Hove are being urged to take part in a sector-wide survey.
Community Works, the umbrella group for community and voluntary organisations in Brighton and Hove, said that it hoped that the results would show their collective worth.
And as an incentive, those taking part in the brief survey – known as Taking Account – would be eligible for a prize draw.
With less than a fortnight before the survey period ends, Community Works said: “What impact does the voluntary and community sector have in Brighton and Hove? Help us find out.
“Community Works is trying to demonstrate the value of our voluntary and community sector in Brighton and Hove.”
It is asking for help to create a picture of how voluntary and community sector organisations contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of Brighton and Hove – and its people.
Taking Account is a regular social and economic audit or survey of the community and voluntary sector in Brighton and Hove.
Community Works said: “The survey should be completed by someone in the organisation who can give an overview of its aims, operations, resources and workforce and should take no more than 30 to 45 minutes.
“The audit is an extremely important tool to support our city’s community and voluntary organisations.
“The data is used as evidence for the range and impact of the work carried out across the city.
“It is used by funders, commissioners and planners to understand more about the sector in Brighton and Hove and the value it brings to the city.”
Brighton and Hove City Council’s head of communities, equality and third sector Emma McDermott said: “The key findings from Taking Account 3, in 2013, provided fascinating insight into the work done by volunteer-led groups, as well as medium and larger sized organisations.
“The picture created was of a strong sector which contributes hugely to the creation of a vibrant and healthy city.
“We hope that Taking Account 4 will once again illustrate the contribution of the sector’s work.
“It has never been so important to improve our understanding of how the voluntary and community sector contributes to the social, economic and environmental health of our city.”
Community Works said: “Those who take part will also be invited to contribute evaluation reports and case studies to an information resource being developed in partnership with the University of Brighton.
“The aim is to pull together a rich bank of evidence, to inform good practice and support ongoing learning.
“As a thank you for taking part, Community Works enter responders in a draw to win one of five £50 gift cards from a range of suppliers.”
The survey closing date is Monday 18 February.
Community Works added: “To express interest and receive a copy of Taking Account 4 for your organisation to fill out please email: takingaccount@bhcommunityworks.org.uk.”
