New Data Suggests Nearly Half of Charities Experience Issues when Banking

Latest survey from the Charity Commission reveals widespread scale and impact of ongoing banking issues facing the sector. Take a look here.

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Funding to Improve Menopause Support for Underrepresented Women (UK)

Holland and Barrett, in partnership with Wellbeing of Women, has launched a new fund to address inequalities in menopause care amongst under-served communities across the UK. The Women’s Health Community Fund will provide small grants to groups and individuals for projects that raise awareness and improve education around the menopause, particularly amongst those from lower income families, ethnically diverse communities, those with disabilities and LGBTQ+. The types of activities that could be supported range from community events such as coffee mornings or fun activities, to events organised by individuals to raise awareness. Further details will be released in due course. Organisations are encouraged to register their interest in the first instance. Funding to Improve Menopause Support for Underrepresented Women (UK)


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The Key Components of a Successful Major Appeal

In case you missed it, in our new blog, fundraising expert Giles Pegram talks through how to make a major appeal successful. Take a look here.

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Spring Budget Highlights – Sue Spiller, Sobus CEO

The Spring Budget was announced at the beginning of March.  Below are some of the main highlights:

The Chancellor made further changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs) following the cuts made in the Autumn Statement 2023. The rates for NICs will be cut by two percentage points for both employees and the self-employed from 6 April 2024. 

This will see Class 1 employee NICs reduced from 10% to 8% from 6 April 2024, down from 12% at the end of last year. Meanwhile, Class 4 self-employed NICs are cut from 9% to 6% from 6 April 2024.

A few of the measures will benefit households that are struggling financially.

  • The Household Support Fund will be extended until September.
  • People receiving Universal Credit will now have twice as long to repay loans. The £90 fee for debt relief orders will also be scrapped.
  • The threshold for child benefit will be increased. This will provide more resource and security for an estimated 170,000 families.

Announcements that are likely to benefit voluntary organisations include the following.

  • The VAT registration threshold will increase from £85,000 to £90,000.
  • £5m new investment in the Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund.
  • Funding for community cultural projects and the National Theatre.
  • Investment in early career researchers in medical charities.

However, disappointingly, the government has missed a critical opportunity to recognise the role the voluntary sector plays in our society, and back this up with spending and policy commitments.

The government has also refused to commit to an ‘essentials guarantee’ to support people receiving benefits. This guarantee would ensure universal credit covers essentials like food, household bills, and travel costs.

We’re relieved to hear planned funding for central government departments won’t be cut. However, this funding is still not enough to fund public services that meet communities’ needs. Local government finances are also under unprecedented pressure. Today’s announcements do nothing to address this.

Source: NCVO.org.uk

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Funding for Projects that Support Disadvantaged & Disengaged Young People (England & Wales)

Registered charities in England and Wales can apply for funding for projects that help disadvantaged and disengaged young people. Priority is given to projects designed to help disadvantaged and disengaged young people in the age range of 16 to 30, in England and Wales to pursue pathways to Education, Training and Employment. There is no minimum or maximum amount and projects can be funded for more than one year. The next closing date for applications to the Peter Cruddas Foundation is the 1st September 2024. Funding for Projects that Support Disadvantaged and Disengaged Young People (England & Wales)

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Funding of up to £5,000 Available to Tackle Problems within Families (UK)

Registered charities that work to tackle family problems or problems facing one or more of its members can apply for grants of up to £5,000. Funding is available for both capital and revenue grants as well as grants for core funding and projects-based grants. The funding is being made available through the Kelly Family Charitable Trust which actively encourages applications from relatively new organisations to help them become established. The trust prefers to support charities whose income is below £500,000. However, larger charities with pioneering pilot projects will be considered. The next closing date for applications is the The next closing date for applications is the 1st September 2024. Funding of up to £5,000 Available to Tackle Problems within Families (UK)

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