Practical support bulletin: November 2023
Amy Walton, small charity support manager, shares resources, events, support and information on the big issues affecting small charities.
We know winter is going to be tough for the sector. As we head into the colder months, charities across the country are going to see increased pressure on their services.
We’re here to help. Take a look at our four pillars of support for small charities.
Help with the cost of living
Tackling the Cost of Giving Crisis
Small charities are a vital lifeline to many communities across the country. But with costs climbing, funding falling and demand increasing, this is not just a cost of living crisis. For charities, this is a Cost of Giving Crisis.
We’ve launched a new campaign to raise awareness and ensure charities get the support they need. We also have a range of support for you this winter, including online resources, guidance, our helpdesk, webinars and training courses.
Learn more about the Cost of Giving Crisis campaign
Utility Aid’s National Charity Tender Scheme
In recent years, we’ve all seen energy costs fluctuate significantly. This has made it difficult for charities to budget accurately.
Our trusted supplier Utility Aid has launched a National Charity Tender. This scheme helps charities take a strategic approach to tackling the energy crisis by spreading costs over a longer term.
Contact Utility Aid to find out whether the National Charity Tender is right for your organisation.
You can also take a look at our refreshed guidance on managing your energy costs.
Funding and income support
Fundraising help and guidance
Our practical tips and step-by-step guidance can help you find the money your organisation needs.
Take a look at our pages on:
Lime Green Consulting has shared useful advice on ensuring the development of your fundraising strategy is a collaborative process.
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising is offering free membership for small charities with a voluntary income of under £50,000. Members can access networking and professional development opportunities, advice, conferences and events.
Funding opportunities for smalls
- National Lottery Awards for All England is changing. From 15 November, small voluntary and community organisations can apply for up to £20,000 for two years of project funding.
- Lloyds Bank Foundation is awarding three-year unrestricted grants of £75,000 to small, local, specialist charities supporting people facing complex issues. The funding also includes tailored development support.
Trustees’ Week 2023
Trustees’ Week 2023 takes place from 6 to 10 November.
This year’s theme, ‘Many voices. Working Together. With Purpose’ celebrates the unique perspective trustees bring to their board, how diversity can help make a charity stronger and the role of trustees in keeping our organisations sustainable.
Get involved and help celebrate the amazing achievements of trustees across the UK.
Free webinars
Join us for a series of lunchtime events looking at how trustees can use positive environmental, social and governance action (ESG) to lead their charities into the future.
- How decision-makers can lead on climate action: Monday 6 November, 12.00–13.00
- Why diverse boards make more impactful decisions: Wednesday 8 November, 12.00–13.00
- Volunteers leading volunteers: Thursday 9 November, 12.00–13.00
- What do trustees across the country feel about leading climate action?: Friday 10 November, 12.00–13.00
We're also partnering with a range of organisations to deliver in-person conferences throughout the week. See our Trustees' Week page for more details.
Festival of Trusteeship
Our partners at Getting on Board are also running their Festival of Trusteeship during the week.
The festival features a series of low cost events aimed at encouraging new trustees and supporting existing board members.
Charity Commission social media guidance
In September 2023, the Charity Commission released updated guidance on how charities should engage with social media.
Our policy and public affairs manager, Chris Walker, has shared key things you need to know about the new social media guidance.
New data protection helpline
Our trusted supplier Hope and May has launched a new data protection helpline.
The service has been specifically designed for smaller to medium-sized charities. NCVO members can also access a free data protection consultation.
