Does anyone know of any organisation which is an umbrella or
federation for a group of non-related organisations and voluntary
groups and people?

My local council is looking to start such a group and I feel the who,
what, why, is very important. A neighbouring councillor gave the
example of Moston & Lightbowne Tenants Federation which is an umbrella
group for 32 t&r groups and is quite successful apparently.
But they're all T&R groups all using the same constitution so it is
fairly obvious that they're all meeting very similar measures
regarding membership etc

If you had an organisation which was made of of some t&r groups,
homewatches, sports clubs, churches, societys etc etc etc (Voluntary
Action Oldham say there are 537 voluntary organisations in this area
in their database) then how do you glue it all together. Do you just
say "you're interested in making the area better and helping apply for
funding" and then does any constitution you use glue it altogether?

I've got concerns that the process is being rushed along because of
some desire to make a working organisation by 8th December when the
dispersal order ends. Councillors have said they'd be keen for a group
to be able to fund raise for capital projects and funding for
buildings and staffing projects. 
If all the groups are little groups then it might be that they don't
want to get involved with running buildings, building projects and
employing people. It might be that there are groups gagging to do this
already but they are unable to do so as they're "not constituted in
the right way" - then wouldn't it be better to identify groups who
need this help and give it directly to them then go the long way round
the houses and form another group to be the fund raiser?

(And anyway don't groundwork help smaller groups fundraise?)

Any thoughts?
-- 
http://www.orderonlinepickupinstore.co.uk
Ah fetch it yourself if you can't wait for delivery
http://www.freedeliveryuk.co.uk
Or get it delivered for free