The Chancellor recently acknowledged the importance of charities, their crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus and support for those who are most in need by announcing a £750 million funding package for UK charities.
In our latest newsletter, we set out details of other government measures available to charities that have already been announced as well as details of potential funding opportunities. However, the Chancellor acknowledged that in many instances demand for charitable services has increased significantly, income has fallen and measures such as the Job Retention Scheme may not be appropriate.
The funding will be available as follows:
- £360 million will be made available directly from government departments to charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis. This money is designed to help hospices (£200 million), the St Johns Ambulance, victims’ charities (for example those dealing with domestic abuse), vulnerable children charities and Citizens Advice.
- £370 million will be made available for small and medium-sized charities via the National Lottery Community Fund. These funds are meant to support local charities in the heart of the community who are providing invaluable services such as those delivering food and medicines and providing financial advice. The National Lottery Community Fund website states that they are discussing with government how the funding will be made available and will provide more information as soon as they are able.
- £20 million minimum donation to the National Emergencies Trust as part of the BBC’s “Big Night In” fundraiser to be held on 23 April. The government has said it will match the funds that are raised on that night by the general public.
According to the GOV.UK website government departments will work at pace to identify recipients and the funding should be available in the coming weeks. The government expect the timetable for the National Lottery Community Fund money to be similar. As more information becomes available our website will be updated.
