There is no doubt that thousands of people have volunteered at the Olympics and helped make the games a success. Their breadth of roles and range of backgrounds is humbling.

In the midst of all our research and analysis to benefit the charity sector, we here at nfpSynergy have been keenly following the Olympics action – a bit of morning judo, lunchtime dressage, boxing, kayaking, swimming – we can’t seem to get enough of it. So all the controversy about empty Olympic venue seats and corporate sponsors got us thinking a bit more about funding for sports and physical fitness initiatives in this country and how to involve the public to a greater degree.

Lord Hodgson's review highlighted the need for fundraising regulation, but what about other parts of the sector?

It’s a risky move to gleefully emphasise how much you want to work somewhere else during company time in an interview, but it’s a gamble I was happy to take when I applied for my internship here. Knowing that I would be able to keep up my volunteering commitments was a real selling point for me and it is for many employees. 

We have just launched the results of our research into what charities want from grant-makers, and what a model grant-maker looks like in the eyes of charities. ‘Taking nothing for granted’ is an extensive piece of research and here is a blog outlining what we believe are some of the hallmarks of a model grant-maker.

The diamond jubilee celebrations are over. The bunting is being put away. The street party application form is being archived. So, as the euphoria and hubris subsides, let's be mercenary. Does the royal family do enough for charities? Well, as Euro 2012 begins there is only one way to answer this question. Who would be on my fantasy royal charity patronage team? Let's start at the top with the team captain: the Queen.

We were inundated with applications for our recently advertised post of administrator. The competition was really fierce. We have now appointed somebody  but having gone through all the applications, we were struck by some common problems and mistakes people were making, so we thought we would give a few tips and pointers about how you can make your CV stand out a bit more – and do all those skills, qualifications and experience justice.  This is only our view (well Joe Saxton’s really). 

Sadly, my time at nfpSynergy is winding down and someone new will soon take my place. I thought I would take this time to reflect on my work and share my experiences so that applicants can know what being an Intern with the Business Development team is like.