Autumn Budget Analysis from DSC

Autumn Budget 2025 – Christmas cheer or bah humbug? It’s up for debate!

Hot off the press, our new article by Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research at DSC, delves into the turbulent Budget season filled with leaks and uncertainty, which left charities questioning whether to anticipate positive changes or unwelcome challenges.

Jay outlines the promising measures announced in the Budget, such as the removal of the two-child limit and new VAT relief, while also addressing ongoing concerns like impending tax and compliance reforms. Read the full analysis here.

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The Kids Network: Our Festive Menu

If the spirit of the season moves you, your generosity could brighten a little Londoner’s day – and we have made it easy to see where each gift goes.

We’ve put together a very special Christmas menu and each “order” will allow us to give even more children the opportunity to take part in our life-changing programme. 

Confidence and positive change are on the menu this holiday season. So work up an appetite, pick a favourite course and help give a Little Londoner a brighter future! Xmas Menu

 

 

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Charities Encouraged to Sign a Donor Code of Conduct pledge

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising, in collaboration with fundraising think tank Rogare, has called on charities across the UK to pledge to create and enforce a Donor Code of Conduct aimed at protecting fundraisers from inappropriate behaviour by donors or supporters. Find out more here.

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Daily £100 Donations in December!

It’s the season of giving, and funding website easyfundraising are spreading some festive cheer with their Christmas Crackers competition, running 8–21 December.

Each day, your organisation could unwrap a £100 or £200 donation – the perfect little stocking filler to boost your funds before the new year.

Simply head over to easyfundraising and register your organisation here https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/hammersmith-and-fulham/(it’s free). Then, from 8–21 December, find the Christmas Cracker and give it a click each day for your chance to win a lovely festive donation. Encourage your volunteers, staff and supporters to join in too – every click means another chance to win!

And while you’re at it, remind your supporters to do their Christmas shopping the easyfundraising way. With over 8,000 well-known retailers including eBay, Tesco, Boots, M&S and thousands more, they’ll raise free donations for your organisation every time they shop – at no extra cost.

Don’t get left out in the cold – register your organisation now in time to join in the festive fun from 8 December. Get involved here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/hammersmith-and-fulham/

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Chancellor of the Exchequer: Autumn Budget 2025

 

The Charity Finance Group is undertaking a short survey to understand how charities currently use salary sacrifice arrangements, particularly for pension contributions. This information is critically important because there are strong indications that the Chancellor may announce a cap of £2,000 per year on salary sacrifice contributions for pensions in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Complete the survey here.

 

Ahead of the Autumn Budget set to be published at the end of the month, the Civil Society Group, which includes DSC, has written to the government on behalf of charities and community organisations across the UK. Take a look at what we said here.

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Funding for Leisure Activities for Children with Additional Needs (UK)

The Happy Days Children’s Charity is inviting applications for funding towards trips, respite breaks and group activity holidays for disadvantaged children and young people with additional needs. The charity awards funding for different types of activities to support families with children aged 3-17 who have a disability, a special need or have been abused. Activities include family day trips, and family holiday breaks. Applications can be submitted by parents, guardians, grandparents or siblings, as well as GPs, consultants, nurses or social workers. Groups that work with special needs children, including SEN schools and women’s refuges, are also eligible to apply for funding for either a day trip, theatre visit, or a group activity holiday. Applications can be made at any time. Funding for Leisure Activities for Children with Additional Needs (UK)

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Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People (UK – excl Greater London)

Grants of up to £15,000 are available to charities and not-for-profit organisations working with young people aged 12-21 who are socially excluded or marginalised, and who may have experienced significant issues within their lives. The grants can be used to support a range of activities, including core costs, project work, and capital expenditure. To maximise the impact of its grants, the Foundation will only fund smaller organisations. Organisations that work across a local area, such as a village, estate, or town, must have an annual income of less than £100,000 to be eligible. Organisations that work across the entire UK must have an annual income of less than £250,000 to be eligible. Applications can be submitted at any time. Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People (UK – excl Greater London)

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Grants for Older People on Low Incomes (England & Wales)

Small grants of up to £600 are available to support vulnerable older people living on low incomes in England and Wales. The funding which is being made available through the charity Friends of the Elderly assists individuals and couples who are of or over the state pension age, have savings of less than £5,000, and do not meet the criteria for other funders. The funding aims to assist with various needs such as purchasing a new fridge, paying unexpected bills, obtaining food and clothing, or covering gas and electricity costs. To apply for these grants, individuals must submit their applications through a third-party Referral Agent. Acceptable Referral Agents include charities, local authorities, housing associations, community organisations, Information, Advice and Guidance providers, as well as social services representatives. Applications can be submitted at any time. Grants for Older People on Low Incomes (England & Wales)

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Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People & Offenders (UK)

UK charities and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) are invited to apply for grants to support initiatives that help young offenders, ex-offenders, and other disadvantaged young people secure pathways to meaningful employment and community engagement. In some cases, applications from community interest companies (CICs) may also be considered. The programme offers two funding streams: small grants of up to £5,000 and main grants with no formal upper limit, although typical awards are generally between £10,000 and £15,000. The funding is being made available through the Worshipful Company of Weavers Charitable Grants Programme. The next application deadline is 12 March 2026. Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People and Offenders (UK)

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Age UK H&F Carol Concert Invite

The Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham Carol Concert is taking place on Wednesday 10th December at 7pm at Holy Trinity Church, 41 Brook Green, London W6 7BL.

It promises to be a magical evening featuring a choir, a string quartet, and a special reading by Adam Hills MBE. There will be a reception after with drinks and snacks so please come along and connect with everyone involved. You can purchase tickets here. 

These events are important fundraisers for our work and a rare opportunity for us all to come together and show our support for older people in H&F. It would be wonderful to see you there!

 

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