Know Your Stuff - Income Archive

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Edition: Thursday 23rd March 2023

Free fundraising webinars

Louise Stewart, CAN’s Funding Adviser, is hosting webinars on different aspects of fundraising. See our training page for more details and to book a place.

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Fundraising in a downturn – 5 fundraising tips to help you keep going!

Here are five tips to help you keep bringing in the crucial resources for your mission:

Keep asking
Don’t assume everyone is in the same position
Anecdote is not data
Be grateful
Be creative and be agile

What makes an inspiring legacy fundraising campaign?

A new Legacy Showcase has launched with the aim of inspiring legacy fundraisers, featuring short videos of innovative legacy campaigns from around the world.

Charity shops saw winter boost in sales

The Charity Retail Association’s data for October-December 2022 shows a 9.1% increase in the average number of transactions per day in charity shops compared to 2021, with many shops seeing strong sales over the Christmas period.

Business Support

Business in the Community (BITC) is matching community organisations in need with businesses able to provide vital items and skills support via the National Business Response Network (NBRN). Register your request for support.

New training & webinar sessions released

See our latest webinars covering a broad range of governance, funding, people and trustee related topics. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Edition: Thursday 16th March 2023

Free fundraising webinars

Louise Stewart, CAN’s Funding Adviser, is hosting webinars on different aspects of fundraising. See our training page for more details and to book a place.

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Almost 40% of one-off donations now made by digital wallet

Digital wallets are now used to make nearly four in 10 (39%) one-off donations, according to the latest annual report from goDonate, with their use for regular giving also growing.

What will digital fundraising look like in 2023?

Charity Digital explores current sector trends by taking a look at the 2023 Charity Pulse Report by donations, fundraising, and events platform Enthuse

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

Edition: Thursday 9th March 2023

Free fundraising webinars

Louise Stewart, CAN’s Funding Adviser, is hosting webinars on different aspects of fundraising. See our training page for more details and to book a place.

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Armed Forces Day 24 June 2023

The MOD offers up to £10,000, depending on the size and format of the event. It's match-funded and can cover up to half the total cost of the event.

Magic Little Grants 2023

With a simple 20-minute application process for a £500 grant and an outcome within six weeks. The following criteria apply:

Organisations must either be in their first year of operation or have an annual income under £250,000.
Funding can be used to launch new projects, support existing ones, or cover core costs associated with ongoing work.

Charities have until 5 April to find estimated £564mn in unclaimed Gift Aid

While Gift Aid declarations for this tax year can be collected after this date, it then becomes a more complicated process. Swiftaid has launched the ‘Great Gift Aid Hunt‘ to encourage charities to make sure they don’t miss out. It offers a quick way for charities to check against over 5 million UK taxpayers to find missed Gift Aid. By sending in donation information from the current tax year, Swiftaid can match it with millions of UK taxpayers, and if a match is found, 25% more Gift Aid is added.

Charitable gift vouchers

Go Ape (closest venue is Moor Valley Park) offers gift vouchers to local charities for use in fundraising.

Giving Up

According to the latest Community Life Survey. In 2021-22, 66% of respondents said they had given money to charitable causes in the last four weeks, an increase from 2020/21 when the figure was 63%. This is, however, a decrease from 2019-20 when the figure was 75% and lower still than 2013-14 rate when it was 82%. Respondents who identified as female were more likely than those who identified as male to have given to charity in the last four weeks, 72% vs 61%. The average amount given was £27, excluding those who donated £300 or more and of those who gave to charitable causes, 21% gave to medical research, in line with 2020-21 rates.

Giving during Ramadan (22 March-21 April)

Read this article about the role of giving and how you can help and take part.

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

Edition: Thursday 2nd March 2023

Free fundraising webinars

Louise Stewart, CAN’s Funding Adviser, is hosting webinars on different aspects of fundraising. See our training page for more details and to book a place.

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Windrush 75: grants up to £10,000 available for commemorative activities

The 75th Anniversary of Windrush in June is a major national moment that will be important to many communities across the UK. Grants of up to £10,000 are available from the National Lottery Community Fund for community-led events and activities designed to commemorate this historic occasion. Read their blog to find out more.

Raising Awareness of Gift Aid

Interesting short blog about how to do this.

A new opportunity to maximise your gift aid?

New HMRC guidance states, “Donations made using digital platforms, credit card or debit card may incur an administration fee which reduces the actual amount received by the charity. Subject to the normal qualifying conditions, the gross donation paid is eligible for Gift Aid, regardless of any processing fees incurred by the charity. The charity may treat these administrative fees as charitable expenditure. Where the charity is unable to demonstrate a clear audit trail of administration fees incurred Gift Aid should only be claimed on the net donation received.” This might be an opportunity for you to claim more Gift Aid.

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

Edition: Thursday 23rd February 2023

New fundraising webinars due to be announced

CAN's Funding Advisor, Louise Stewart, will be leading a series of 4 free fundraising webinars starting with 'Introduction to Fundraising' on Thursday 30th March. This will be followed by:

Researching & writing grant applications
Making the most of grant search engine - Open4Community
Building a case for support

To book your early-access place on one or all of the sessions, please visit our training and events page here.

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

The BH Coastal Lottery

Gives small grants to community projects providing services within Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Projects must have strong volunteer / resident involvement. Constituted Voluntary and Community Organisations with an income of less than £60,000 per year can apply for grants. The minimum level of grant is £100, and the maximum is usually £1,000. However, for this round a maximum of £5,000 can be granted. Priority will be given to projects where a small grant will make a significant difference.

Before applying for a small grant, you must check that the voluntary or community organisation is eligible. Please check the criteria on their website. The fund is open for applications now. Closing date for applications is Sunday 26 February 2023. CAN’s Funding Adviser Louise Stewart can help with your application.

UK Youth and Pears Foundation

Grants available: up to £50,000. This £5m fund is for youth organisations with an annual income of £500,000 or less. The fund will offer three-year unrestricted grants of approximately 10% of the current turnover of applicant organisations to reflect the current inflation rate. UK Youth and Pears Foundation are concerned about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and this fund aims to support charities running costs to prevent the closing of vital youth services. There is a YouTube video providing a step-by-step explanation of the grant-making process. Rolling deadline and you will hear back in 4 – 6 weeks. Find out more here.

What donors want in 2023

Summary of a new report about trends in donor behaviour and consider how they fundraise for the charities they support: i.e. cash prevails, flexibility matters and generosity remains.

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

Edition: Thursday 16th February 2023

The BH Coastal Lottery

National Lottery Awards for All - Dorchester Workshop - Friday 3rd March

Kirsty Main, Dorset Funding Officer for The National Lottery Community Fund will lead a workshop focused on the Fund’s small grant programme – Awards for All.

The session will be interactive and provide tips on applying for funding and also a chance to network with other local groups. The session is open to all but has been designed for community groups and their volunteers, trustees or staff who might be new to applying for grant funding or have limited experience.

Awards for All is open to constituted groups or clubs, registered charities, CIO, community interest company (CIC) and provides grants of between £300 to £10,000 for up to one year. You can apply for funding to deliver a new or existing activity. It aims to support communities with the things that are important to them.

To reserve a FREE space/spaces on the workshop, please email Emma Scott at: [email protected]

Active Dorset Together Fund

The fund (up to £10,000) can be used to support physical activity interventions for adults, and/or children and young people with long term conditions or disabilities, from low income households, or culturally diverse communities. Anyone who has an idea for a project that would support people in their area can contact Katie Davies directly who will be happy to help you develop it in line with the eligibility criteria and guidelines before submitting your application to Sport England for their approval – [email protected]

Employment and Training Crowdfunder

The fund is aimed at supporting initiatives which increase employment and training opportunities in Sovereign Housing’s communities. This could be things like supporting individuals or families with training or learning objectives, supporting people into work or self enterprise, access to work placements, wellbeing and employability support and related services. Projects can access funding for up to £10,000 and up to 75% of total project value. If you would like to find out more about the fund please email [email protected] or make an application on their Crowdfunder page.

Edition: Thursday 9th February 2023

Funding available for not-for-profit climate startups – & more opportunities for charities

Sovereign Housing Association - #iwill fund

The second round of Sovereign’s #iwill fund opens for applications from youth organisations opened on 6 February. The grant is available to fund project costs. These costs can include staff and volunteer costs, development and capacity building costs, activity and skills development/training costs. Eligible projects must work within three miles of a Sovereign community and be delivered between April – December 2023.

The project must offer new opportunities for young people to engage in youth social action and give them the opportunity to learn new skills. Sovereign as particularly interested in funding projects that are targeted at supporting young people from less affluent communities and those under the age of 14. Grants available: up to £10,000 Deadline to apply: 24 February (hear back in March). Find our more here.

UK Youth & Pears Foundation are offering £5mn in funding to help youth organisations through the cost of living crisis

Another big funding announcement: round two of the Co-op Foundation’s £3.5m Carbon Innovation Fund (CIF) partnership with Co-op has opened for applications.

Additional funding through the cost of living crisis

Fundraising website easyfundraising turns the online shopping of your supporters into unrestricted funding for your organisation. They partner with leading online retailers including Amazon, Sainsbury’s, eBay, Tesco, M&S, Asda, Argos, Just Eat, Morrisons, Trainline, booking.com and 7,000 others - and whenever someone shops online with them, the retailer donates a percentage of what the shopper spent to your organisation - for free.

24% of people shop online twice a week now so this is a simple way for your community of supporters to continue to raise money for your organisation during the cost of living crisis without it costing them. Find out more.

The best online fundraising platforms for charities

Charity Digital lists some of the best free and cheap online fundraising platforms for charities

Asda Foundation – Investing in Spaces and Places Grant

Investing in Spaces and Places is Asda Foundation’s higher value grant for local groups aimed at improving spaces in the heart of local communities. Small grass roots organisations play a vital role in their community, making positive change and improving people’s lives every day, but the challenge for many is having the appropriate space and place to bring people together to deliver this fantastic work.

Asda Foundation will be investing £500,000+ for this grant in 2023 to support bigger community projects within local communities where local people can be together and thrive. Grants will be between £10,000 and £25,000 and the application window opened on 6^th February with funding announced in June 2023. Find out more and how to apply here.

Edition: Thursday 2nd February 2023

BH Coastal Lottery Small Grants fund - Application deadline Sunday 26 February

The BH Coastal Lottery Grants Scheme provides funding of between £100 to £1,000 to voluntary and community groups based in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. The scheme fund projects that help support a vibrant community and involve volunteers and/or residents.

Visit the website for more information and to complete the simple application.

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Cash for Kids announces £1mn Cost of Living fund

Not for you but to refer any families you work with. Cash for Kids, Bauer Media’s charity network, has announced that £1million will be made available to the most vulnerable families in the UK to help with the cost-of-living crisis. The cash will be given to families via the charity’s Emergency Appeal, which was first established in March 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic.

This new round of funding will target families in financial crisis, allowing them to apply for Cost of Living Grants of £50 per child which can be used for those basic essentials – food, heating and clothes. Service providers who support vulnerable children, including schools, social services, health professionals and charities, can submit an application form to their local Cash for Kids office on behalf of the families they work with.

Ten amazing workplace fundraising ideas

Charity Digital looks at the best workplace fundraising ideas and gives some advice about how to make the most of each idea.

Make money for free!

If you are looking for a simple and effective fundraising activity, thousands of third sector and voluntary organisations recommend easyfundraising. Through easyfundraising 7,000 online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, Just Eat, Trainline and Sainsbury’s will donate to your organisation when your volunteers, staff and supporters shop with them. It means everyday online spending turns into a continuous income stream your organisation can put to good use. Take the experience and knowledge of other organisations to make 2023 your best fundraising year yet. Sign up to easyfundraising to get started.

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Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 26th January 2023

Grants to celebrate Windrush, coronation and Eurovision!

This fairly easy Lottery grant programme has announced that groups can apply to help communities celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King, The Eurovision Song Contest and the 75th anniversary of Windrush.

Funding for youth-focused organisations

Youth-focused organisations working in communities in the South and South West of England are invited to apply for grant funding from the Sovereign #iwill Fund. Sovereign Housing Association has grants of up to £10k available for projects that focus on youth social action – applications open Monday 6 February and close at midnight on Friday 24 February.

The best winter fundraising ideas

Freshen up your fundraising toolkit with Charity Digital’s winter fundraising ideas.

AmazonSmile to close by 20 February

Read this article about it and some reactions.

Make money for free!

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Edition: Thursday 19th January 2023

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Village Hall funding

Village halls across England can apply for grants from the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund to improve and modernise their facilities. NB apply by 20 January (it only opened on 20 December so only a month across Christmas and New Year, a bit ridiculous!)

Charities call on the public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts

See what some of the national charities are doing. Perhaps you can do the same?

10 fitness-related fundraising events for the new year

Taking inspiration from the fact that many of us will feel we’ve overindulged over the break and are entering the new year with some resolutions to get fitter, here are 10 fitness-related fundraising events to kick off the new year.

The psychology of giving

This article will help you understand what makes someone motivated to give.

How to plan and build fundraising events

In-person fundraising events are back in a big way, if 2022 is anything to go by. This article shows you how to engage supporters at each stage, from the beginning of their journey to crossing the finish line.

Treasury announces reduced energy bills support for charities

Despite a lot of national lobbying and local (we sent letters to all Dorset and BCP MPs asking them to advocate on behalf of the sector, although we did not have any response back from them) the sector has been lumped in with the private sector and nothing aimed at those who do not pay their energy costs direct and small users will get nothing. See NCVO’s view here and a webinar they are running on 9 February and some others in the sector, including our own national body.

Make money for free!

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Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 12th January 2023

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Grassroots Movements Fund

The fund will make grants of between £10k and £70k to every successful application. Grants can cover up to a two-year period. The first deadline is 19 February 2023. The information pack includes more information on the criteria and how to apply. You must meet at least one of the following:

Set up and run by communities who have come together in their own time to take action on an injustice they’re facing (could include paid staff but group still led by members)
The group includes people with lived experience of oppression and their views and experiences are listened to and guide the work of the group
Regularly brings new members into the group and involves them in decisions about the aims and activities of the group
Aims to engage and influence a growing number of people, eg through events, campaigns, outreach, demonstrations
Works in solidarity with other grassroots groups, especially the smaller informal ones, through collaborating and supporting each other

Fundraising Badge gives public confidence in offering support

Research by the Fundraising Regulator has found that three quarters felt more confident about offering their support when the badge was displayed.

Make money for free!

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

Fundraiser recruitment – key insights & tips

Short article about what has happened in the job market over past two years, how the expectations of employees have changes and some tips on successful recruitment.

Fundraising in 2023 viewed from 2022

Some crystal balling from UK Fundraising about trends and challenges for the year ahead..

Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 15th December 2022

Create Growth Fund

UK registered micro, small and medium enterprises in the creative sector can apply for funding of between £10,000 and £30,000 for innovation projects to grow their business. Deadline 8 Feb at 11am.

Neighbourhood Fund

Grants of up to £5,000 supporting local community groups whose work addresses social issues, poverty and disadvantage in Dorset. DCF welcomes applications from groups supporting diverse communities including communities who may be facing discrimination. In addition to the above broad objectives of the fund, there are two particular areas of interest:

Services that support older people to lead more active, healthy & independent lives
Services that support people experiencing mental health issues.

More information here. Closes 13 January 2023.

Community and Culture Project Fund

Round 4 opened on 4 November for a sports, arts, or heritage project or event or looking to support disadvantaged communities in the Dorset Council area. This fund could provide up to 80% of your total project costs up to a maximum of £5,000. If successful, you must be able to deliver your project, activity or event within 12 months of a grant being awarded to your group. You will also need to secure a minimum of 20% of your total projects costs. Applications close 9 January.

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

How to make Christmas cards

Charity Digital explores the various ways that charities can raise funds and spirits by designing, creating, and selling fantastic Christmas cards

Brittany Ferries

Supports a wide range of UK charities both national and local, but our focus is on charities with connections to our ports; Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole. Most support is given in the form of free or reduced rate travel used in raffles to raise funds.

Why a weekly lottery is a good bet for your charity fundraising

Discusses why weekly lottery is the perfect product for fundraising in tougher economic times. Remember rather than set up your own you could join the BH Coastal Lottery. They also have extended their Small Grants Fund for applications up to £5,000 to help support the cost of living crisis, find out more at our Meet the Funder session in January; sign-up here.

High energy bills driving third of people to cut donations

A third of people in the UK and Ireland are likely to cut down the amount they give to charity due to increases to their energy bills, according to new research.

Make money for free!

Fundraising website easyfundraising turns online shopping into money for your voluntary organisation, charity or community building. When anyone connected to your organisation shops online with any of over 7,000 well known retailers, every purchase they make results in a free monetary donation for your organisation. Find out more here.

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Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 8th December 2022

Dorset based funders

Dorset Community Foundation have provided a list of other Dorset based funders on their website, with funders listed by the area they support, and an indication of whether they support groups and/or individuals in need. Great resource!

Funding for Community Garden Projects (England, Wales & Northern Ireland)

Charities, community groups, and community interest companies can apply for funding for community gardening projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Grants of up to £5,000 are available (although most grant awards are for under £2,000) for the creation of a community garden or a community park or allotment with a horticultural focus for the benefit of the local community.

Eligible costs could include site preparation (including hire of small mechanical tools such as rotavators), hand tools, plants, trees, shrubs, containers and seating. Projects encouraging biodiversity and wildlife are encouraged. The funding is made available through the National Garden Scheme Community Gardens Grants programme which closes to applications at 12pm on the 31st January 2023. Full details are available here

Win a £5,000 funding boost

easyfundraising is spreading some Christmas cheer by giving away £5,000 in their Advent Calendar giveaway! To join, sign your organisation up to easyfundraising. easyfundraising partners with over 7,000 brands so your organisation can earn free funding on all online purchases. By signing up, you can be a part of 25 days of advent fun and create an easy and accessible fundraising option your volunteers and the local community can get behind.

Remember to spread the word loud and clear with as many people as possible. Every time they open the door, your organisation gets an entry into the big Christmas Day prize. Plus, they could win daily £100 gift vouchers for brands like M&S, John Lewis, Argos, Boots, Very, and many more. Give your organisation the gift of easyfundraising this Christmas. Sign up here.

12 Days of Christmas Giving

12 Days of Giving is the last phase of the Benefact Group's Movement for Good programme for 2022. For 12 days in December, they'll be drawing 10 charities per working day to receive £1,000. The first draw took place on December 1st and the last on the 16th so click here to nominate your favourite charity today.

Fundraising trends to pay attention to in December

Explore the best times to fundraise during December and how charities can make the most of the season of good will

Third of consumers may cut charity donations over festive period

A survey of more than 1,000 people by agency Beautiful Insights found that 36% of consumers may make these changes, which the researchers estimated could see charities lose £580m.

The best donation management platforms

You’ll never forget a donor with your digital platform to hand. Charity Digital runs through some of the best donation management platforms on the market

Neighbourhood Fund

Services that support older people to lead more active, healthy & independent lives
Services that support people experiencing mental health issues.

More information here. Closes 13 January 2023.

Community and Culture Project Fund

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

Make money for free!

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Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 1st December 2022

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust – Foodbank Fund

Grants available: From £500 – 20% of organisations annual expenditure. This fund is open to all foodbanks across the UK with an annual turnover between £25,000 - £1m. Applicants must be not-for-profit organisations that have been running a foodbank for at least six months that gives out emergency food at least once a week. Priority may be to organisations that are located in highly deprived areas. Deadline to apply: 6 December. Aims to release all funds by 23 December

New Philanthropy Capital (NPC)

Grants available: £5,000 - £25,000. NPC has opened up two new funding pots to help charities tackling financial hardship. The first grant is up to £15,000 for charities with a turnover of less than £100,000. The second is between £5,000 to £25,000 for charities with a turnover of less than £200,000. Deadline to apply: 16 December.

Neighbourhood Fund (Opens 22 November)

Services that support older people to lead more active, healthy & independent lives
Services that support people experiencing mental health issues.

More information here. Closes 13 January 2023.

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

Community and Culture Project Fund

Make money for free!

The Recovery Loan Fund

Provides loans to UK charities and social enterprises who need funds to help them to survive, recover and grow.

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Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 24th November 2022

Meet the Funder - BBC Children in Need

Join Liz Rathbone from Groundwork on Monday 5^th December to hear more on the BBC Children in Need funding programme and how you can apply. To register for your free place on this webinar, please click here.

New places available for Awards for All workshops!

Due to popular demand, additional places have been released for the Poole (Wednesday 7^th December) and Bournemouth (Wednesday 30^th November) Awards for All workshops. The sessions will be led by Kirsty Main from the National Lottery. To secure your free place, please click here.

Meet the Funder – Tesco Community Grants

Tesco Community Grants fund local projects across the UK, giving out over £90 million since 2016. Find out about their eligibility criteria and how you can apply by attending our free webinar on Tuesday 17^th January. Click here to book your place.

Comic Relief Community Round 2 closes on November 30^th

The Comic Relief Community Fund is supporting community led organisations with an income of less than £250,000 to deliver projects within four strategic themes. It will provide grants of up to £10,000, supporting project delivery and organisational capacity building, helping organisations flourish.

Applications must sit within one of the four key themes:

· A Safe Place To Be: Supporting people to rebuild their lives because of homelessness or forced migration.

· Children Survive & Thrive: Every child has the right to the best start in life.

· Fighting Gender Justice: Supporting safety and equality for women and girls.

· Mental Health Matters: Supporting better mental health in your community.

For more information and how to apply click here.

Neighbourhood Fund (Opens 22 November)

Services that support older people to lead more active, healthy & independent lives
Services that support people experiencing mental health issues.

More information here. Closes 13 January 2023.

BCP Food and Warmth Support Fund

Grants up to £7,500 to support households impacted by the rising cost of living this winter. Opens 9 November and closes 28th November.

Community and Culture Project Fund

Make money for free!

Trading as a charity

Charites can trade! In this free webinar, 25 November 10:00-11am, Steve Place, CAN’s Senior Advisor, will cover the rules about trading and how best to structure it within a charity, as well as checking if your trading idea will make money. There will be opportunities for Q&A.

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Edition Week Commencing: Monday 14th November 2022

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Meet the Funder webinars

See our latest webinars and in-person sessions which are a chance for you to hear from a funder about the funding they have available, their priorities, how to apply and do’s and don’ts, plus ask them questions.

CAF opens £3m fund for small charities focused on social equity

The Keystone Fund will award unrestricted grants towards the core costs of running a charity, strengthening capacity, or building resilience. Around 120 charities will receive grants between £5,000 and £50,000, with an average grant of £25,000. Half of the available funds will be focused on organisations supporting refugees in the UK, and local charities across the UK are encouraged to apply for the new fund if they are addressing social injustice or working towards social equity to create a fairer society. The deadline for charities to express their interest for the first round is 23 November 2022, there will be another round in 2023.

Aviva Community Fund pledges extra £2mn to support financial wellbeing

To help tackle the financial pressures being brought on by the cost of living crisis, the Aviva Community Fund has launched an additional £2mn funding to causes supporting financial wellbeing in their communities. Nonprofit organisations can apply now and receive matched funding for public donations until 31 December 2022 with donations matched pound for pound up to £250 between 4 October and 31 December, or until the entire £2 million is allocated. The extra financial support is aimed at helping people take control of their wellbeing by giving them tools to be more financially independent.

£5m sports fund to tackle youth crime

Charities across England and Wales will be able to “bid for new money to run programmes designed to steer young people away from law-breaking and into positive activities aimed at teaching teamwork, resilience and discipline”. The bidding competition opened on Monday 7 November – it will run until Monday 5 December. Groups are encouraged to apply ASAP and they expected 200 grants of £20k will be awarded to grassroots delivery organisations.

BCP Food and Warmth Support Fund

Grants up to £7,500 to support households impacted by the rising cost of living this winter. Opens 9 November and closes 28th November.

Community and Culture Project Fund

How to host a virtual raffle

Offers tips on how to host a virtual raffle to raise money for your charity, from the regulations you need to know about to how to source prizes

Make money for free!

Trading as a charity

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Edition Week Commencing: Monday 7th November 2022

BCP Food and Warmth Support Fund

Grants up to £7,500 to support households impacted by the rising cost of living this winter. Opens 9 November and closes 28th November.

Community and Culture Project Fund

Movement for Good

Have a look at this scheme that aims to give out grants of £1,000.

One-off donations drop due to cost-of-living crisis

Almost one in 10 people are holding back from one-off donations, due to increasing living costs, new research suggests.

Giving Tuesday

This year is 29 November and JustGiving is the official Giving Partner in the UK. Find out more how to make use of their online portal.

Charities’ legacy income expected to reach £4bn despite cost-of-living crisis

Legacy income is expected to reach a record £4bn this year despite the challenging economic climate, according to a new report by Legacy Foresight.

Big Issue Invest offers loan programme to charities and social enterprises

Big Issue Invest is offering loans of up to £150,000 for energy saving measures, for charities and social enterprises that are struggling with the rising cost of energy. The Big Energy Saving Loans are available for social enterprises and charities in England, and range from £20,000 – £150,000.

Make money for free!

Spin to Win again

As a fundraising platform, easyfundraising lets over 7,000 brands donate to your organisation every time someone shops with them. So everyday spending transforms into money your organisation can put to good use. The best bit is that it's free; for your organisation and the online shopper. The brand covers the cost - it's their way of giving back to local groups and communities. Come join the fun; register with easyfundraising

Trading as a charity

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Edition Week Commencing: Monday 31st October 2022

Trading as a charity webinar

Charites can trade! In this free webinar on Friday 25th November, Steve Place, CAN’s Senior Advisor, will cover the rules about trading and how best to structure it within a charity, as well as checking if your trading idea will make money. Book your place here.

Meet the Funder - BBC Children in Need

BBC Children in Need are the leading independent funder for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. They believe that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive and be the best they can be. From October 2022, they are offering the Core (Organisational) Costs Funding Stream and the Project Costs Funding Stream.

In this free webinar, Liz Rabone (Impact Manager - South West) will present an overview of the open BBC Children in Need grant funding programmes followed by a question-and-answer style session on Monday 5th December. Book your place here.

Make money for free!

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Fix the Future Community Fund

The Police & Crime Commissioner’s Fix the Future Fund is aimed at supporting projects and initiatives which contribute to or benefit young people in the Community. The projects/initiatives should add value to the community by facilitating youth development and providing young people with opportunities. The projects/initiatives should directly benefit and involve young people under the age of 18. Applicants must demonstrate that they are looking to launch new initiatives or will deliver additionality to existing initiatives. Funding applications are being welcomed until 9 November 2022.

Crisis Grants

If you or the people you support are part of the Armed Forces community and need help to meet unexpected expenses, the Royal British Legion may be able to help you. Find out more here.

Spin to Win again

Play Spin to Win with easyfundraising, and your voluntary organisation, charity, or CIC could win up to £50 every day between 31 October – 13 November when staff members and volunteers spin the wheel. To be involved, register your organisation with easyfundraising. You’ll get access to competitions like these and set yourself up with an effortless fundraising solution that helps pay the bills and creates a better experience for your users. As a fundraising platform, easyfundraising lets over 7,000 brands donate to your organisation every time someone shops with them. So everyday spending transforms into money your organisation can put to good use. The best bit is that it's free; for your organisation and the online shopper. The brand covers the cost - it's their way of giving back to local groups and communities. Come join the fun; register with easyfundraising:

Online giving: how charities can effectively manage data

A free podcast discusses how charities can best harness their donor data for growth and to build trust in their cause. They’ll share tools and techniques you can adopt to better harness the data your charity already collects. The session will cover key topics such as how to communicate with different demographics, the art of donor retention, and the role of third-party fundraising platforms.

How to use case studies to increase donations

Sharing stories from the people you support will help you to attract new funders and supporters.

Edition Week Commencing: Monday 24th October 2022

Free in-person Awards for All Workshops

Kirsty Main, Dorset Funding Officer for The National Lottery Community Fund, will lead two in-person workshops focused on the Fund’s small grant programme – Awards for All. The sessions will be interactive and an opportunity to understand more about the programme, tips on applying for funding and also a chance to network with other local groups. To sign-up for your free place, please click here.

Round 4 of Dorset Council's Community & Culture Projects Fund - Free Webinar

Dorset Council's Grants Monitoring Officer, Ian Wells, will provide an overview of Round 4 of the Community and Culture Projects Fund in a free webinar on Thursday November 17th. This round will have a specific additional focus on supporting grants that address the cost-of-living challenges of vulnerable communities. To sign-up for your free place, please click here.

Make money for free!

As part of our aim to provide funding support to our members, we wanted to tell you about funding website easyfundraising. It’s something that your organisation can use to get extra money – and it’s completely free. Through the easyfundraising website, 7,000 online retailers will make a monetary donation to your voluntary organisation, good cause or charity when your volunteers, staff and community supporters shop with them.

Anything from a weekly grocery shop to a family holiday can generate a free donation. Retailers include Amazon, eBay, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Booking.com, ASDA, Trainline, Tesco, John Lewis Argos and thousands more. Simply start your shopping journey at the easyfundraising website or app and the retailer you shop with will send your organisation a donation based on how much you spend. This will not cost anything extra as the retailer pays the donation, not the shopper.

With the cost of living going up, this is an easy way for people to support you because it won’t cost them anything extra. Every 3 months you receive all the donations raised by shoppers supporting you, paid directly into your organisation’s bank account or by cheque, which you can put towards a particular project; or keep for a rainy day. It’s completely free to register and use and is open to voluntary organisations of all shape and size – you don’t need to be a charity. What’s more, the funds you raise this way class as unrestricted funds so you can use your donations as you wish. To get started, create an easyfundraising page for your organisation here

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Almost two thirds feel worse off but donations weathering the storm

'Some 63% of people are feeling worse off than they were six months ago with the increase in the price of groceries, fuel and energy all having an impact, Enthuse’s latest Donor Pulse Report has found. However, it also suggests that so far donations are weathering the storm. However, another blog says it will be hard this winter!

How to talk about fundraising in a cost-of-giving crisis

The cost-of-living crisis is inescapable for most of us. But for charities it’s also leading to a cost-of-giving crisis. How can you ask for donations when people are struggling to make ends meet?

Retail Gift Aid

HMRC has updated Chapters 3.42.11 and 3.42.12 of its Gift Aid guidance to explain how to use letter templates and to ask for them to be issued from the end of year 3. HMRC also updated its Gift Aid template letter for the end of year for both method A and method B.

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Edition Week Commencing: Monday 17th October 2022

Lloyds Bank Foundation pledges £5.5m to BAME and disability-led charities

LBF has announced that it will make grants worth £75,000 available to small, local and specialist charities with an income of £25,000-£500,000.

Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund 2022/23 is now open

The Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund is now open for applications from community and voluntary organisations working in and around Dorchester. In 2020, over £13,000 was awarded to local community and voluntary organisations in Dorchester. The fund is jointly administered between Dorset Council and Dorchester Town Council.

Gift Aid Awareness Day

This was on 6 October but you can still use much of the promotional and campaigning material and resources from CFG to encourage those who can to Gift Aid donations to your charity.

The best autumn fundraising ideas

Get into the cosy season with Charity Digital’s themed fundraising ideas.

How to make sure your proposal stands out

In a highly competitive environment, how do you make your proposal stand out from the crowd? Here are some top tips from DSC.

Exploring the latest fundraising regulation

The Fundraising Regulator has published its five-year strategy for fundraising regulation. Here are the changes charities can expect.

Edition Week Commencing: Monday 10th October 2022

What Funds newsletter

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities.

Dorset Community Foundation

See their latest newsletter with new funds open.

'Looking After The Money' training session

Steve Place (CAN's Senior Advisor) will lead this session, helping to ensure that you are looking after the money of your charity or group. We all know, that managing money for others can feel pressured, but Steve will help you navigate some important processes and good practice to ensure you feel comfortable in the role. To book on to this in-person session in Wareham, please click here.

The People's Projects are back!

The National Lottery Community Fund has teamed up with The National Lottery, ITV, UTV, and for the first time, the Sunday Mail in Scotland, to give community projects across the UK the chance to win up to £70,000 in National Lottery funding. Over £4 million is up for grabs in total, so if you’re a group or project making a difference to people’s lives in your community, particularly in these difficult times, make sure to apply! Shortlisted groups will take part in a national campaign, with the winners being decided by public vote. Find out more here.

Biffa Award Community Building Funding

Projects under the Community Buildings theme include those which improve buildings at the heart of their communities – such as village halls, community centres and church halls. They can include building refurbishments and internal works to kitchens, toilets, roofs, flooring, window, doors and heating systems. Applications from churches must be able to demonstrate a wider community use and benefit – such as youth groups, special interest groups, exercise groups etc. Under this theme an applicant will have to show evidence of wider community use, involvement and consultation. Full details are available here

How to get involved in Giving Tuesday 2022

Giving Tuesday is a ‘global generosity movement’. Founded in the US in 2012, it encourages people to donate their time, money, or raise awareness for a good cause. The Giving Tuesday movement holds the world record for the most money raised online for charity in 24 hours and in 2020, with donations worth £20.2 million made on Giving Tuesday (equivalent to almost £14,000 a minute). This year it will be on 29 November. Read how charities (both big and small) can get involved

The best Halloween fundraising ideas

Looking for ways to tap into Halloween and raise money for your cause? Here’s Charity Digital’s favourite Halloween fundraising ideas.

Government announces energy relief scheme for charities

Charity Finance Group has published some guidance.

HelpFilm, films and animations free of charge or low cost to the charity sector

They use private sponsorship to pay professional filmmakers and editors to make films for charity partners. They also ask charities if they are in a position to pay a small 10% donation after the completion of the film (no more than £300), which would be used to pay for another charity film. However charity partners are under no obligation to do so and if they are not in a position to do this, this does not affect their project going ahead. They do not accept donations until the charity has the completed film as they want the charity to be happy with what they have received. Their mission is to work with small charities who would not usually be able to afford to do this and who have small teams and budgets (no more than £3 million income). Find out more here.

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Edition Week Commencing: Monday 3rd October 2022

New funding option for local voluntary organisations

Government publishes plans to discount charities’ energy bills from October

A discount will automatically be applied to charities’ energy bills from 1 October to 31 March, meaning voluntary organisations do not need to apply to access the support. See article for a summary and the full government scheme here.

Gift Aid and 1% cut in income tax

The government have said that there will be a four-year transition period for Gift Aid relief to maintain the Income Tax basic rate relief at 20% until April 2027.

Crisis funding

CEF’s Crisis Support web page has details and links to crisis support and funding available to help charities and community groups that need it.

Charities and social enterprises offered loans to beat energy bills

Big Issue Invest is offering energy bill loans to charities and social enterprises that are struggling with rising costs. Big Energy Saving Loans are available for social enterprises and charities in England, ranging from £20,000 to £150,000, and can also be used for installing renewable energy equipment. Big Issue Invest notes that firms will need to show a clear energy saving case, and an ability to repay the loan. More here.

Asda Foundation - Cost of Living Grant

Designed to support local community groups following increases in their rent, utility bill and food costs as a result of the cost of living crisis between September 2022 and February 2023. Grants £500 - £2000. Information here.

Rosa – Voices from the Frontline Fund

Grants from £500 to £7,000 are available to support the work of grassroots women’s and girls organisations. The fund can be used for campaigning, awareness building, staff training and more. Eligible organisations will be run by, for and with women and girls, be a not-for-profit organisation, have a governing document and governing body and been active for one year. Organisations must have a UK-based bank and have an appropriate safeguarding policy in place. Deadline to apply: 3 November

How to boost peer-to-peer fundraising

Short article from Charity Digital about how to boost efforts in 2022. Word of mouth is an oft-overlooked tool in a charity’s fundraising arsenal. Research shows that nine in ten people will believe a recommendation from friends and family over any other type of advertising.

How to attract donors with fundraising events

Another article from Charity Digital about how imaginative and engaging fundraising events can be a useful way of attracting increasingly selective donors.

The best Christmas fundraising ideas

Never too late to start planning! Here are top ten fundraising ideas for Christmas so you can hit the ground running and the various ways that charities can raise funds and spirits by designing, creating, and selling fantastic Christmas cards

How to get ready to apply for digital grant funding

Funders are keen to help you with many types of digital project - from tech infrastructure to digital service design to inclusive technology. But to win this funding you need to be ready. In this new article Joe Roberson explains what to do before you decide which funder to approach. This one explains 7 things to do to increase your application's chance of success.

Approaching will-writing conversations

As part of a blog series for Remember A Charity Week, Ian Bond of Thursfields Solicitors shares how charities can approach will-writing conversations with the public.

What the cost of living crisis means for giving

Article shares findings of Cost of Giving Monitor report to help charities and communicators prepare for what is ahead.

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Edition Week Commencing: Monday 26th September 2022

What Funds

See the latest edition from BCP Council’s newsletter of funding opportunities including from the new fund from Wessex Water.

Legacy income continues to rise

Legacy income continued to grow at a rapid rate in the 12 months to June 2022, according to new Legacy Monitor figures.

BBC Children in Need to fund charities’ core costs amid cost-of-living crisis

BBC Children in Need will for the first time directly fund charities’ core costs over the next three years as part of its new strategy.

Funding for rural communities

The government has announced a £110m fund to level up rural communities. Investment will be based on local priorities and support investment in projects such as grants for:

capital grants for provision of gigabit-capable digital infrastructure at hubs such as village halls, pubs and post offices for community use
capital grants to develop, restore or refurbish local natural, cultural and heritage assets and sites
creation of new footpaths and cycle paths, particularly in areas of health need, or capital grants to enable people to develop volunteering and social action projects locally