Charities are calling on the forthcoming Civil Society Covenant to tackle the “significant breakdown in trust” between the sector and the government. Read more here.
Five things fundraisers should be thinking about right now
There are plenty of fundraising innovations going on right now, but often times rediscovering or reinventing tried and tested techniques can work well too. Here are five things fundraisers should be thinking about right now from Jay Kennedy, DSC’s Director of Policy and Research. Take a look here.
AI & grants fundraising
Ben Wittenberg, Director of Development and Delivery at DSC, looks at the use of AI in funding applications, listing some useful plus points as well as some things to watch out for. Take a look here.
Our big news this month is we have published the new Code of Fundraising Practice (the code). This marks the end of our two year review to update the code and make sure it reflects evolving fundraising practices. The new code is a clearer, more streamlined and modern approach to fundraising regulation while ensuring existing public protections remain in place. You can read our blog from Suzanne McCarthy, Chair of our Standards Committee, on the changes the new code brings and how they promote public protection, accountability and excellence in fundraising.
There will be a six month transition period before the new code comes into effect on 1 November 2025. This will give you time to review your processes and implement any changes. You can find out more below about the steps you can take to start preparing for the new code, and the additional support and guidance available.
The new Code of Fundraising Practice has been published to reflect modern fundraising practices and will come into effect from 1 November 2025. The new code is available in both English and Welsh.
Fundraising organisations should review the new code and support guides on our website and begin preparing to ensure compliance.
Please see below the events taking place next week in the borough, organised by local community matrons, in support of ‘Dying Matters Week’
The local community matron team are hosting a ‘Dying Matters’ event in Hammersmith & Fulham on 7th May 2025, spanning three locations: Parkview Centres for Health, King Street, and Parsons Green from 10am to 4pm.
This year, 5th–11th May 2025 marks Dying Matters Week, with 7th May 2025 dedicated as National Advance Care Plan (ACP) Day. The theme of this year’s Dying Matters Campaign is The Culture of Dying Matters. Together, we aim to help our community feel more comfortable discussing dying in ways that are meaningful to them.
A survey of more than 200 women and girls’ charities and organisations – carried out by the think tank Pro Bono Economics and commissioned by Rosa, the UK fund for women and girls – found that 91% of respondents reported an increased demand for their services over the past year. Read more on Third Sector here.
The government has appointed new members to the Charity Commission’s board. The solicitor Tasnim Khalid and digital transformation leader Alan Mather will take up their posts on the regulator’s board from 23 April, filling two existing vacancies. Read more here.
In an increasingly challenging financial environment for charities, it’s important to consider every opportunity and technique that could give your charity the edge. Read more here.
The Fundraising Regulator has launched a digital fundraising badge, which allows charities and other organisations to link directly to their entry on the regulator’s directory. Read more here.
Join us for our annual celebration of the National Co-production Week, hosted by Co-production Matters H&F. This event brings together Disabled residents, council officers, councillors, and community organisations who are working collaboratively to transform local services.
This year’s theme is “Co-production and Independent Living”
In our event, we will explore how we can build the council’s vision for independent living into current and future co-production work, all underpinned by the Social Model of Disability which focuses on removing the barriers for Disabled residents, working towards greater choice, control, and inclusion.
Date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Time: 4:00-7:00 PM
Place: Irish Cultural Centre, 5 Black’s Road, Hammersmith W6 9DT
The registration link is already available, so feel free to sign up early.
Light refreshments will be provided. There will be British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and a palantypist at the event. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know about your access needs: send us an email to coproduction@lbhf.gov.uk or send a text to 07823 535 858.
Together, we’re making Hammersmith & Fulham the most accessible and inclusive borough in the country!
In celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the London Branch of the Eastern Sudan Community Association hosted a cultural evening, attended by over 130 families, children and young people! The evening event was marked by Sudanese hospitality,cultural and social harmony, in line with the association’s 2025 strategy aimed at strengthening family ties and fostering social cohesion among children, while preserving their cultural identity and pride in their rich heritage.
# Cultural Performances
A group of performers presented dance performances to traditional music of the eastern Sudan heritage, wielding swords amidst great audience interaction.
# Community Engagement
The community officer emphasized the association’s commitment to achieving its goals and highlighted the importance of strengthening social ties among families amidst current challenges.
# Participant Feedback
Many participants expressed their delight with the event,while apreaciating the association for its focus on families and children, and welcomed the opportunity to continue participating in its activities.
The event also featured competitions and prizes for children, aimed at introducing them to Sudan and Eastern Sudan in particular, amidst great enthusiasm and joy.
# Event Highlights
The evening concluded with a presentation by Rayan Idris on the branch’s activity plan for the next four months.
## Event Organization
The event was organized by the Activities Department of the Eastern Sudan Sons Association(ESCA)
