The pandemic is causing a major crisis for charities and community groups. Income has fallen - for example because of the cancellation of fundraising events and closure of charity shops - at the same time as many organisations have seen a rise in demand from the vulnerable people they work with. NCVO, the national voluntary sector body, has calculated that the voluntary sector will lose £3.7 billion in income.
On Wednesday 8 April, the government announced £750 million of extra funding. £360 million is to be allocated by government departments to charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people. Another £370 million will be available for small and medium-sized community organisations providing services such as delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice. It's not clear yet how the first funding stream will be allocated, or which organisations are eligible for the second stream and how they can apply.
Different national networks and senior managers have all responded in similar way to the government announcement. They have welcomed support for the sector, but also have responded that more funding is required. For the latest news see the websites of NCVO, NAVCA and the Charity Finance Group.
Funding
- Several funders have released statements saying they will take a supportive approach to the groups they fund at this demanding time, for example the London Funders statement and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation statement.
- Our partners at Redbridge Council are supporting the London Funders statement - it's appreciated.
- The Institute of Fundraising has advice if you're organising a fundraising event.
- Lots of emergency funding is now available - see our funding opportunities pages.
Managing an organisation
- National voluntary sector network NCVO have a page with info about staff, service users, events, finances, working from home and other issues.
- ACEVO, the organisation of charity managers, has produced a page titled "Tips for leading in challenging times"
Using technology
- New to using computers for voice or video calls, including team meetings? Check out Getting started with Zoom, Getting started with Google Hangouts and Getting started with Skype Video