Fundraising volunteers volunteer roles in manchester

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more. 

 
As Buttons & Bubbles continues to grow, we are looking for a volunteer who enjoys research and admin to identify potential funding opportunities for us from looking at some of the databases we have access to. 

Who Are We Looking For? 

• Someone passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging. 

• No prior experience is necessary, but enthusiasm for research and understanding of guidelines is required 

• Able to work independently and as part of a team. 

• A dedicated person, who approaches research projects with a positive attitude. 

• Preferred but not essential: has carried out a research project previously such as within education or in their profession 

• UK Based 

What Do We Expect? 

• Willingness to complete a virtual training program at a convenient time. 

• Have a DBS check (preferably on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us 

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable changes if needed). 

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness. 

What Can You Expect? 

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers. 
• Flexibility - there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you. 
• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C 

 
• Make a tangible difference in your community. 
• Develop research, admin, and organisational skills. 
• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers. 
• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired. 
• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work. 

La Suzy

We provide reusable period bed mats and menstrual education empowering girls while reducing waste.

La Suzy addresses period poverty, lack of menstrual health education, and gender inequality by providing reusable period bed mats and educational programs. Environmentally, it reduces reliance on disposable products, cutting plastic waste and resource-intensive consumption. Through partnerships with schools, shelters, and CSR initiatives, La Suzy empowers girls and women while promoting sustainable menstrual care.

La Suzy provides reusable, eco-friendly period bed mats designed for comfort, reliability, and sustainability. Unlike traditional solutions, these mats prevent messy stains on beds/mattresses and giving girls and women peace of mind during their periods. They are easy to clean and quick to dry, reducing the time, effort, and water used compared with constant washing of sheets or reliance on towels/ multiple disposable products. it is also travel-friendly. Millions of sheets and mattresses are also disposed of due to period stains, all preventable with our bed mat.

Paired with educational webinars and resources, La Suzy empowers girls with knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene. By distributing mats through schools, shelters, and CSR partnerships, La Suzy ensures girls stay in school, build confidence, and adopt sustainable menstrual care practices—all while minimizing environmental impact and waste from single-use products.

Funding & Grants Research Volunteer

La Suzy is a social impact start-up tackling period poverty and promoting sustainable period care. Our hero product — a Reusable Period Bed Mat is a travel-friendly solution that protects beddings/mattresses from period leaks/overflows and helps girls and women manage their periods with dignity and comfort. We’re building a movement around being #PeriodProud and are on a mission to reach 100,000 girls across the UK with free period webinars and access to our La Suzy Mat.

We’re seeking a detail-oriented Funding & Grants Research Volunteer to help identify and access funding, grant, and pitch competition and opportunities that align with our mission.

Responsibilities:

• Research and compile relevant grant and funding opportunities (UK + global).
• Identify pitching competitions and accelerator programs that fit La Suzy’s stage and social mission.
• Track application deadlines and key criteria in a shared database.
• Support preparation of applications and pitches (in collaboration with the founder).
• Suggest creative funding ideas — from CSR partnerships to impact investment opportunities.

Ideal For:
Someone proactive and organized with a strong interest in social entrepreneurship, fundraising, or impact investment. Perfect for someone who enjoys research and wants to help a women-led social venture grow its reach and impact.

Role can last longer than 3-5 months if suits all parties:-).

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.

Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.

As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.

By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.

You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.

We are seeking a proactive, strategic, and mission-aligned Funding Manager to join our growing team. This pivotal role will lead on identifying, applying for, and managing multiple streams of funding to support the delivery and expansion of our work. As a small charity with big impact, funding is vital to everything we do — from running support services to delivering education and campaigning for change. The Funding Manager will be at the heart of ensuring our sustainability and growth by securing the resources we need. You will be line managed by the Chair of Trustees, and work closely with the Treasurer and other trustees as needed to complete applications, manage current funding applications and report on grant outcomes.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

• Identify and research suitable funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and other grant-makers

• Lead and coordinate the writing and submission of compelling funding bids, applications, and proposals.

• Manage and track existing grants, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.

• Work with trustees (e.g. Treasurer and Chair) to gather financial and impact data for applications and reports.

• Maintain a funding pipeline and reporting calendar, ensuring visibility of all application stages and deadlines.

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, providing updates on Hidayah’s work and impact.

• Monitor trends in the funding landscape and keep the charity informed of relevant changes and opportunities.

• Advise and support the Board in developing a long-term funding strategy.

• To maintain clear records on the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).

• Meet regularly e.g. monthly or bi-monthly with your line manager to discuss funding applications and progress

• To check and respond to funding application emails promptly and within deadlines set for funding applications

What do we expect from the Funding Manager?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience of successful fundraising from trusts, foundations, or statutory funders.

• Excellent bid writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate impact clearly.

• Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.

• Financially literate, comfortable working with budgets and data.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently while collaborating with others.

• A commitment to the values and mission of Hidayah LGBTQI+.

• Knowledge of CRM or funding management tools.

Desirable:

• Experience working with grassroots or LGBTQI+ charities.

• Understanding of issues affecting LGBTQI+ Muslims or minoritised communities.

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. We are results-focused, so while you have autonomy over when you volunteer, we ask that funding bids and key deadlines are met in a timely and reliable manner.

Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success?  As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.

Time Expectations:  1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)

This could be a shared role and tasks may include:

· Booking the hall for future Jumbles

· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability

· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end

· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteer Role Profile

Events Coordinator

About the Role

At Living Reasons, we’re reimagining fundraising and entertainment events to be more immersive, inclusive, and inspiring than ever before. From sensory-based experiences to creative challenges and accessible escape rooms, we’re breaking away from outdated models and designing events that are fun, innovative, and impactful.

The Events Coordinator will play a hands-on role in bringing these projects to life. Working closely with the Events & Entertainments Lead, you’ll help plan and deliver exciting events, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day and that participants and supporters have a memorable experience.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys organisation, teamwork, and creativity — someone who likes to see an idea grow into a successful event.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Events & Entertainments Lead to plan and deliver specific events and challenges.

• Help ensure events are well-organised, including:

  • Preparing and checking event locations

  • Allocating roles and tasks to volunteers and staff involved

  • Coordinating logistics before and during events

• Support with Health & Safety, insurance, and accessibility requirements (with guidance).

• Work as part of a team of multiple Event Coordinators, collaborating and sharing tasks.

• Take initiative in your area of responsibility, while knowing when to seek support or guidance.

• Analyse and report on the success of events, sharing feedback with the wider team to improve future activities.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work as part of a team, while also being comfortable taking initiative.

• A practical, solution-focused mindset to keep events running smoothly.

• Good communication skills and a willingness to engage with volunteers, staff, and supporters.

• Enthusiasm for creativity, accessibility, and inclusivity in events.

• Reliability and a positive, can-do attitude.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in planning and delivering creative and accessible events.

• The chance to work as part of a supportive, fun, and innovative team.

• Opportunities to develop leadership, organisation, and communication skills.

• Insight into event planning and fundraising from the inside.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work directly supports Living Reasons’ mission.

 Interested?
If you’d like to play a key role in making our events a success — and be part of a team creating unique experiences that raise vital funds — we’d love to hear from you.

The Global Health Reform Initiative Foundation (GHRI) is a non-profit organization working to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable for underserved communities worldwide. We are currently seeking passionate Volunteer Grant Writers and Volunteer Administration Officers to join our remote team.

Volunteer Grant Writers Responsibilities:

Research and identify grant opportunities.

Draft and submit compelling proposals.

Support fundraising and partnership efforts. Requirements:

Minimum 1+ year of experience in grant writing. Strong writing and research skills.

Attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Passion for humanitarian and healthcare-focused initiatives.

Volunteer Administration Officers Responsibilities:

Contact hospitals and healthcare systems for partnerships.

Manage communication (calls, emails, messaging).

Assist with scheduling, documentation, and follow-ups.

Requirements:

Good communication and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and remotely. Interest in healthcare and community development.

What We Offer Flexible, remote volunteering. Opportunity to contribute to global healthcare reform.

Valuable experience in non-profit work and partnerships.

How to Apply: Send your CV and a short statement of interest to our email address stating the role you’re applying for. Join GHRI today—your skills can help save lives and expand healthcare access!

Role description

As a key member of the Volunteer Grant Team, the Grants Manager (Unpaid Volunteer) will assist the Head of Fundraising (Unpaid Volunteer) in grant writing, planning and implementing a portfolio of impactful programmes.  The postholder is responsible for managing a diverse grant portfolio, providing high-level programme support, financial oversight, monitoring and evaluation, technical expertise, and capacity-building support to our global health and social care projects.  This role will involve working closely with the Senior Programmes and Grants Managers to ensure that AHO makes progress towards its Vision. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To develop and manage a potfolio of grants, including institutional and internal grants.  This includes assessing the competencies of Volunteer Grant Teams and creating organisational plans with grant writers.
• To support the new and ongoing development of grant writers through capacity building and providing networking opportunities.
• To support the Volunteer Grant Team in their applications to institutional funders, trusts and foundations, providing input and advice as requested.
• To ensure grant-management requirements and external funding are met successfully.
• To work closely with grant teams and individuals responsibly to source narratives of individual and community transformation to support the development of donor relationships and communication. 
• To provide good care to grant writers, maintain regular but appropriate contact and safeguard their interests
• To undertake monitoring, evaluation and conducting grants and project assessments for international and UK-based projects
• To source new, innovative projects in line with AHO's funding criteria
• To assist in raising the standards of AHO Safeguarding with grants and project portfolios.
• To update the database and to analyse data from reports and write up recommendations for senior management and/or board consideration.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 3 years' experience working in a charity or foundation with a focus on health and international development
• Experience in submitting successful funding proposals to institutional donors, trusts, and foundations
• Strong track record of successful management of all reporting requirements associated with grants.
• Good project management skills, with experience delivering or grant-managing projects internationally; able to work on multiple tasks and to prioritise these to meet deadlines
• Affinity to health and understanding of African culture as a power for health development in Africa. 
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work on one's initiative
• Basic budgeting and financial management experience, able to understand the link between finance and operations
• Ability to work cross-organisationally with multiple stakeholders in the realisation of shared goals
• Confident communicator and convenor, particularly in written grants, reports, external communications, presentations and with people whose first language is not English
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships to achieve objectives with international partners
• Written and oral fluency in English is required
• Fluency in a second language (in addition to English) is required preferably Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese and Swahili.

Are you passionate about animal welfare and skilled at creating engaging Instagram content?

IAPWA is looking for a talented Instagram Manager (Volunteer) to help us grow our audience on this platform, strengthen supporter engagement, and above all, develop this channel into a source of vital fundraising income.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience managing and growing Instagram accounts
• Can create high-quality, tailored content that aligns with our brand and mission
• Understands how to drive engagement and build online communities
• Is enthusiastic about using social media to make a real impact for animals in need

We’re ideally looking for someone who can fully manage this channel as their own project, offering a small amount of time each day to post, respond, and engage with our audience. As social media and fundraising are dynamic and fast-moving, this regular attention will help us build momentum and maximise opportunities for growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your creative and strategic skills to support a global animal welfare charity and make a difference to the lives of so many animals in need.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Volunteer at Walk for Home, Shelter’s flagship event!

Would you like to have a great evening out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers?

Shelter’s Walk for Home is back, and with a new location in Manchester!

Walk for Home is Shelter’s winter walking event. Hundreds of people will be taking to the streets to raise money for families facing homelessness this winter. We’re looking for enthusiastic, passionate volunteers with a can-do attitude to help support the team on the day. 

Date: Tuesday 02 December 2025

Time: 16:00-21:00. There may be flexibility to finish earlier – let us know what works for you!

Location: Our start line is at the Shelter hub in Watson Street. But our biggest volunteering opportunity will be to marshal along the 5km route around some of Central Manchester’s most famous sights and cheering walkers along the way.

Roles include:

• Route Marshal – Marshalling the route, being a smiling friendly face for walkers as they pass by and cheering them on as they go.
• Finish line team - ultimate cheer squad ready to welcome and thank walkers as they return

Roles will be allocated on the day but we will do our best to keep groups together. If you have any medical concerns or specific accessibility requests which need to be taken into account on role allocation, please let us know.

It’s such a fun night, an opportunity to meet new people and spend time with others. Snacks and a Walk for Home bobble hat will be provided on the day.

To consider: This will be an evening in December and outside, you will need to be comfortable standing for long periods of time in the cold. Please make sure you bring suitable layers.

This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to everyone walking the route, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, please fill in an application. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Dive into lasting impact: Fundraise for East London Waterworks Park to create and shape natural swimming ponds, ecological habitats and community gardens

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

If you are a good writer and seller of ideas, would you like to join our mini-team of funding bid writers? We would especially love to hear from you if you have experience of writing funding applications, and we are happy to share the skills we have developed with you if you would like to learn.

The Fundraising Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely. We understand that people may not have a lot of time to give, so we want to find volunteers who could give us one-off or ongoing strategic advice and support.

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project that offers many rewarding opportunities for our volunteers. You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds and forest schools. 

By leading fundraising projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, web developers, community researchers etc.) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. 

Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability. So you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

�� Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits �� Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Vice-Chairperson (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Support the Chairperson and act in their absence.

• Ensure all board decisions are actioned efficiently.

• Oversee special committees and task forces.

• Assist with performance evaluations of executive staff.

• Provide leadership continuity during transitions.

Requirements:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills.

• Prior experience in management or board governance.

Benefits:

• Executive leadership recognition.

• Key role in succession planning and governance strategy.

• Access to leadership networks and visibility opportunities.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Purpose of the Role:

We seek a Web Manager (Unpaid Volunteer) to support our website upgrade, digital and fundraising strategy, manage WordPress sites, optimise user experience, and drive results through improved web performance.  You'll identify new projects to develop innovative products that generate revenue for the business.  This is a key role in which your expertise in digital marketing, web management, SEO and traffic conversions is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and optimise WordPress sites: Ensure consistency in brand messaging across all web properties, optimise user experience (UX), and maximise conversion opportunities.
• Revamp donation system: Develop our new fundraising system using Stripe donations and ensure compliance to prevent scam donations and money laundering.
• Regular updates and improvements: Stay ahead by reviewing and updating web presence, emerging trends, and best practices.
• Develop and install a Membership system for people joining AHO. AHO is becoming a membership organisation to empower members to decide how AHO is managed and to generate income through membership fees.
• Build and develop an Online Shop. The first stage is a Virtual Online Shop selling project items instead of money, for example, selling bricks to build a hospital instead of asking for money.  The second stage is an Online Shop selling physical African foodstuffs, clothing, etc..
• Design and build health tools, such as BMI Index scales, health quizzes, medical screenings, assessments, and questionnaires, to enhance the website's interactivity and educational value.
• Expand and add new sections to the current website, such as the Projects and Impact sections, showcasing our projects and their impact through stories, videos, and case studies.
• Performance Optimisation: Enhance search engine rankings and overall website performance using expert-level SEO.
• Analytics and reporting: Track and analyse web traffic, sales metrics, and marketing data to measure success, forecast trends, and provide actionable insights to the bus.

References

Due to the nature of this role, references will be sought before the interview and offer.  We will conduct enhanced DBS checks for criminal convictions and local police cautions.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB

All our Volunteer Opportunities are unpaid or unsalaried. Do not apply if you seek a paid position or intend to negotiate a compensation package with us.   Volunteering allows individuals to contribute their time to society at no cost while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid positions.

As our Shop Volunteer, you’re at the heart of making sure our customers have a positive shopping experience. There’s lots of ways of getting involved: making our window displays look great, welcoming customers, helping them with purchases, collecting donations, preparing items for sale, using our till systems to handle payments and, as part of a team, generally helping with the day-to-day running of the shop. In this varied role, you’ll develop your organisation, team working and customer service skills.

 Most importantly you’ll be helping raise funds to support people to live well with MS. What the role involves This role may vary depending on needs and is likely to include:  Welcoming customers and assisting them with purchases

  Receiving and processing money when goods are sold

  Pricing and sorting donations and other goods for sale in line with stock control processes 

 Helping with visual merchandising for our shop windows 

 Supporting housekeeping, such as stock management and tidying We will support you in developing the skills you need for this role, including an induction into all the areas outlined. 

You will have a chance to discuss your role, claiming expenses and any additional needs with us