Spring 2010 Newsletter
Welcome
Welcome to the Spring 2010 edition of our newsletter. I hope you all managed to get some time off over the Easter Holiday to enjoy the return of the long lost sunshine!
As always we have been working with a wide range of clients on some very interesting projects including strategy development, grant research, bid writing and contract tender writing and review. Get in touch if you might be looking for support in any of these areas.
This edition of the newsletter contains a range of sector news and funding updates, including a look at sector views on funding sustainability and fundraising skills; changes to the BLF Reaching Communities Programme; a look at the level and impact of public spending cuts as well as our regular feature providing an assortment of upcoming grant funding deadlines.
I hope you will find it of interest and as always we would be delighted to receive your feedback and suggestions for improvements.
Best wishes from all the team at Charity Fundraising Ltd.
Sector concerns about funding sustainability and fundraising skills
In a recent survey of people working for charitable organisations carried out by nfpSynergy and Third Sector it was found that 49% of people asked thought that one of the biggest priorities for their charity over the next few years was around accessing funding and retaining regular donors.
The survey also suggested that creating a sustainable funding base was seen as a big challenge facing third sector organisations. The statistics showed that this was a sentiment particularly held by charities with turnovers below £6m.
Read more: Sector concerns about funding sustainability and fundraising skills
Big Lottery Fund: Changes to the Reaching Communities programme
The Big Lottery Fund has announced a number of changes to how the Reaching Communities programme works. The application process has been changed but who can apply to the programme, what it will fund, and the difference the programme is designed to make, remains the same.
Read more: Big Lottery Fund: Changes to the Reaching Communities programme
The recession continues to provide shaky ground for charities
A recent survey conducted by the BBC has shown that local councils are estimating spending cuts to reach levels of 10-15% over the next 3-5 years. While this is an average figure of the 93 councils that took part in the survey, some councils are estimating spending cuts to reach levels as high as 25-30%. We all know that there are going to be cuts but the question is where are they going to come? A BBC article accompanying the research suggests areas such as arts and leisure appear most at risk of cutbacks. Children's social services and services for the homeless were suggested as some of the safest areas. Further details and a local authority cuts map can be found on the BBC website.
Read more: The recession continues to provide shaky ground for charities
Upcoming Grant Funding Deadlines
Here’s a summary of some upcoming grant funding deadlines:
- 23rd Apr 10 - Youth of Today Leadership Fund
- 5th May 10 - Hilton in the Community Foundation (UK)
- 7th May 10 - The Friends Provident Foundation
- 7th May 10 - Community Sustainable Energy Programme (England)
- 11th May 10 - OFCOM Community Radio Fund
- 14th May 10 - People’s Millions (UK)
- 30th May 10 - City Parochial Foundation
- 1st June 10 - Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
- 30th June 10 - Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN)
- 30th June 10 - Cracking the Code Bursary Scheme
