The aim of e.VOLve is to build a comprehensive database of voluntary organisations and community groups across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. The information it contains is presented in two ways:

1.information about services and activities, where they take place, opening hours, charges, etc available to the general public at e.volve.org.uk

2.more detailed information for accredited users only, and only available with password access.

The new database will be a tool for the sector itself. Organisations are passionate about what they do; this database will be an opportunity to promote their group and tell a wide audience about their services, activities and achievements. Plus, by gathering data into one place, e-VOLve will collect the information needed to:

1. provide ‘live’ data to inform future investment and support for the sector – at present public agencies have money to spend on organisations, but do not have the information to help them know where to spend it. They also need information to argue for more resources to come into Hampshire & IOW;

2. increase recognition and appreciation of the VCS, by providing the evidence for the size and contribution of the sector;

In addition it will:

1. provide the data both for better collaboration and networking, and support for those groups who want and need help

2. flag up the existence of groups who may not get involved in consultations at present but who would like the opportunity to make their voice heard

3. facilitate sharing of resources

And other potential prizes?

The people who use the services of VCOs are not really interested in local authority boundaries. There are also many organisations, both public and voluntary, who work either across more than one district, or countywide, and sometimes in both Hampshire and the IOW. e-VOLve will help in breaking down geographical barriers