Small Charity Week

This week, from the 24th to the 28th of June, we are proudly celebrating Small Charity Week, marking our ninth year of honouring the incredible work done by small charities.  

What exactly is a Small Charity? 

There are currently, 163,959 voluntary organisations in the UK, with 96% of those being small charities. A small charity is a voluntary organisation with a social or charitable purpose, with an annual income of less than £1 million. 

Known for their ‘open door’ approach, these organisations are often led by individuals with lived experience and possess a deep understanding of local issues. Small charities are agile and can quickly respond to new and emerging needs within their communities (which became evident during lockdown). However, their size can also make them more vulnerable to challenges. Current cost of living pressures and the lasting effects of the pandemic have widened inequalities in communities, increasing the demand for small charity services. At the same time, the costs of delivering services are rising, and raising funds has become more difficult. 

Small Charity Week aims to empower these organisations to raise their voices and secure the support they need as stronger small charities lead to stronger communities. 

The Impact of Small Charity Week 2023 

Last year, Small Charity Week rallied over 1,000 signatories to urge the Prime Minister to support the sector and accelerate the distribution of the £100 million allocated to small charities. This year, the campaign aims to empower small charities to play their full role in our communities, thereby amplifying their positive impact on society. 

How can we help your Small Charity? 

We offer comprehensive support and advice to small charities across the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, including small local groups and both unregistered and registered charities. We can offer support on a range of subjects including but not limited to: 

• Trustee roles and responsibilities 
• Organisational Structure 
• Setting up a new group 
• Governance advice (including constitutions) 
• Becoming an effective committee 
• Policies         
• Strategic and Business planning 
• Bid Writing and funding applications 
• Sustainability 

Our Development Officers have a wealth of information and experience in local communities across the county and are able to support organisations in a variety of methods.  We are able to tailor our support to suit your needs, so if there is something that your organisation would like support with, please let us know and we will endeavour to provide you with support. 

Join us in celebrating Small Charity Week and supporting these vital organisations. Together, we can ensure that small charities continue to thrive and contribute to the well-being and strength of our communities.