Chloe here! As we all know, Coronavirus has impacted everyone. From limiting our own personal freedoms, to job losses and whole sectors shutting down, COVID-19 has had a huge impact.
One sector which has been really impacted is the charity sector. Many charities rely on big fundraising events, people running marathons and other activities which have come to a standstill over this period. Grant making bodies have also decreased their grant giving over this period or diverting it to specific causes. It’s having a huge impact on the sector, with many charity staff being furloughed due to the loss of income. The government today announced a £750m package to aid with charities during this time, which will go some way to supporting charities, but there’s still some things we can do too.
how can we help?
There’s already been a big response to campaigns to support local businesses, the NHS and other initiatives from people like you and me. For those that can, generosity is increasing, which is amazing to see. But how can we make this generosity go further? I’ve been working with charities and understanding how they function for the past 5 years, so I want to use this to encourage you to give in the BEST way possible during this time!
I’ve pulled together 4 top tips to help:
If you can, set up a direct debit or monthly payment
One-off donations to charity are great, and can really help get a boost of cash, but giving monthly can help charities now, and in the long term. If you can afford it right now, this is the best way you can give. It allows charities to know that your giving will be coming in regularly, which, in turn, enables them to plan for the future. Especially in these uncertain times, your regular giving will bring them a much needed smile and sigh of relief- so do this if you can! It’s really simple and most charities will give you the option to set it up directly from their website, just find their ‘Donate’ button and choose their ‘regular giving’ or ‘monthly giving’ option. If not, get in touch with them and ask them what the best way to give regularly would be!
2. Consider supporting non-critical services too
I LOVE that everyone has been donating to the NHS, Foodbanks and other front line services at the moment. It’s really needed and has been truly inspiring how much money is being raised. Trust me, I’m not saying to stop giving to these causes, but I also know there are thousands of other charities out there who are struggling as funding is being cut and all our pockets are being squeezed. They’re probably a bit nervous about asking outright for your donations at the moment too. If you can give a bit MORE, think of those causes that might be being overlooked at the moment, and see if you can set up some regular giving with them too.
3. Try and give to ‘general funds’ or ‘unrestricted giving’ where possible.
A lot of charities set up ‘campaigns’, which help divert funding to certain project (e.g. a building project, or funding for a new ward). Charities will honour that fact (if you donate to a certain project, that’s where your money will go!) but there’s also lots of stuff done behind the scenes in charities which are vital to running the charity well. For these to run well, they rely on ‘general’ or ‘unrestricted’ funds. The easiest way to give to these, is usually through their ‘donate’ button on their website (it might not actually name the fund!). Trust that the charities you give to know best how to spend the money you give!
4. Support in non-financial ways
If you really can’t give financially at the moment, you can still help charities by supporting them in other ways. Sign up to their e-mail lists to hear more about what they do, and how you could give in the future, enagage with their social media with likes, comments and shares-anything to show your love to them over this time. Behind the face of charities are hard working, caring staff who would appreciate some love and a boost too!
I hope these tips help you in your generosity. I encourage you to keep being as generous as you can manage during these times and in future! Thankyou for supporting causes everywhere and stay safe :).