Tag: charities

Dobbies’ Edinburgh and Lothian stores invite nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

Committed to bringing a smile to its local communities, Dobbies is inviting anyone who has a community space that needs gardening knowledge and inspiration – indoors or outdoors – to get in touch, with applications now open.

Dobbies’ colleagues are passionate about gardens and plants, championing garden living all year round to create experiences that bring people and communities together.

The Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store will select a project to support from the nominations that are made. The winning groups will receive products, tools and plants to help bring their community space to life during a personal-shopper session with a dedicated Dobbies’ colleague. In addition to this, there will be volunteer hours allocated to help bring the project to fruition.

Successful applicants will receive support over the year to keep their indoor or outdoor space blooming.

Nick Anderson, Dobbies’ Operations Director, is looking forward to hearing from groups across the country. He said: “There are so many brilliant community groups near our Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh store – from schools and nurseries, to In Bloom Groups and charities, and even local sports teams.

“Our store colleagues are ready to take on a fresh challenge for this year and we want to hear from groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians who would benefit from our support.

“If anyone knows of a community group that has a garden living project in need of our help, please encourage them to enter.”

Applications are now open and taking part couldn’t be easier. Those entering must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh store or five miles of the Stockbridge little dobbies store. For more information about how to get involved in Dobbies Community Gardens, visit Dobbies Community Gardens

Nominated projects will be invited along to the Edinburgh store for the free Grow How session on Saturday 4 May, 10.30am, and the winner will be announced. The Stockbridge little dobbies store doesn’t hold a free Grow How session, the winner will be contacted separately.

The winning team for each store will meet a colleague that will support them throughout the project.

Scottish Government funding: How’s it working for you?

SCVO FAIR FUNDING SURVEY

Is your voluntary organisation expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year?

Get involved with our quick and easy research survey to help us understand your experiences of timely funding notifications!

Learn more: https://bddy.me/49rh9JW

If you don’t have the time (or the desire!) to read this blog in its entirety – just read this: we are looking for voluntary organisations who are expecting funding from the Scottish Government in the forthcoming financial year to take part in a quick and easy monthly survey for six months. To get involved, contact details can be found at the bottom.

If you do have time to read the whole blog – here’s a bit more on why we’re doing it:

At SCVO, we’ve been working hard over the last couple of years to build our Fair Funding asks in response to what the sector has told us. We’ve also been putting a lot of time and effort into taking those asks to parliament. A result of that has been the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding by 2026 and, although that remains largely undefined at present, some additional commitments have filtered out since.

One of those commitments relates to funding notifications. We know that timely decision making, and subsequent issuing of funds, is crucial to ensuring no organisation is disadvantaged by the funding process.

When decisions and notifications are delayed, organisations are plunged into uncertainty which can have hugely negative impacts on their ability to deliver services, retain staff, and plan ahead.

And so, as part of our Fair Funding package, we have been asking the Scottish Government to ensure funding decisions are issued no later than December and funds paid no later than the start of the tax year in April.

We were encouraged, then, when Colin Smyth MSP submitted a written question at parliament at the end of November, asking “what action it is taking to ensure that its funding decisions regarding support for the voluntary sector are issued no later than December, and that any funds are paid no later than the start of the tax year in April”. 

The fact that we had not had prior contact with Colin would suggest that our Fair Funding calls, with the support of sector organisations echoing those calls, are very much landing with MSPs.

But even more encouraging was the Scottish Government’s response: “We understand that organisations need timely grant decisions and payments in order to reduce financial uncertainty and effectively resource delivery,” the Cabinet Secretary said. 

“In line with the commitment given by the First Minister, we are working, within the context of the Scottish Budget process, to issue notifications of funding arrangements to third sector organisations, as soon as is practicably possible and no later than end of March for funding beginning on 1 April.”

With that in mind, we are keen to track the experiences of voluntary organisations who expect to receive funding from the Scottish Government this coming financial year.

We’re looking to build a group of such organisations to participate in a monthly survey, beginning in a few weeks and running for six months. The survey itself will be quick and easy to complete, the results gathered will be kept entirely anonymous, and your participation will allow us to document the journeys of organisations between February and July this year in terms of the relevant correspondence and notifications they are receiving from the Scottish Government.

In July, we will then hopefully be able to congratulate the Scottish Government on realising this commitment on timely notifications. Alternatively, if that is not the case, we will have the statistics that will allow us to hold the Scottish Government to account and to demand that Fairer Funding genuinely does incorporate this and many other of our Fair Funding asks in future.

If your organisation is awaiting notification from the Scottish Government on funding for the forthcoming financial year and you’d like to participate in this series of surveys, or you would like a little more information, please get in touch with Jason Henderson at: jason.henderson@scvo.scot

Lothian MSP hosts roundtable to tackle the issue of Social Isolation


Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has hosted a roundtable at the Scottish Parliament to bring communities, charities and organisations together to bring an end to the loneliness and isolation that is causing a public health and well-being crisis across the country. 

Edinburgh is classed as one of the loneliest places to live in the UK. Changing Britain research found that 33 per cent of Edinburgh citizens do not feel that they are involved or feel part of the community.

The cost-of-living crisis is adding to the awful knock-on effects of loneliness and isolation particularly in older people, where it has been shown to increase the risks of dementia by 50%, and heart attacks and stroke by 30%. 

The roundtable was attended by a range of charities who are leaders in the field of social isolation and measures to reduce it’s impact on individuals in communities across the country.

Also speaking was Dr Jane Morris, Head of the Royal College of Psychiatry, to talk on the effects on mental health. As well as Dr Morris, Police Scotland’s specialist on scammers and fraudsters who target the elderly and isolated, DCI Steven Trim, spoke at the roundtable.

Mr Briggs has previously called on SNP Ministers to provide great funding to tackle loneliness and social isolation in Scotland.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I am pleased that we have had the opportunity to discuss measures to reduce loneliness and social isolation across Lothian and the rest of Scotland.

“From the roundtable it was clear that people are passionate about tackling loneliness in Scotland.

“Feeling lonely is a horrible feeling and I am optimistic that we can take forward actions that will prevent people in communities up and down the country from feeling lonely.

“This was a very productive roundtable and there is plenty of work to be getting on with to make people feel more connected across Scotland.”

Aldi donates over 25,000 meals to Edinburgh and Lothians charities over Christmas and New Year

Aldi donates surplus food from all its stores to local charities and foodbanks when stores close early on Christmas Eve. Aldi’s staff L-R Emily Sutton, Carla Louise Gospel and Tamara Mawson-Phipps 24/12/2022

Aldi donated 25,691 meals to those in need in Edinburgh and The Lothians over the festive period.

The supermarket paired up its stores with local charities, community groups and food banks in the area to collect unsold fresh and chilled food when stores closed their doors early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Charities that benefitted from the donations in Edinburgh and The Lothians include The Pennypit Trust, Tummies Not Trash and Winchburgh Food Store.

The food donations are part of Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.  

Aldi’s UK stores donate surplus food to good causes each and every day, with over 40 million meals donated to good causes since its partnership with Neighbourly began back in 2019.  

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket also worked in partnership with Company Shop Group this Christmas to provide around 2,000 meals at its Community Kitchens across the UK in the run up to Christmas.

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are so proud to work with such amazing charity partners throughout the UK and the impact they have cannot be underestimated, especially during the winter months when their services are needed more than ever.

“We are pleased that through our partnership with both Neighbourly and Company Shop we have been able to give back to the communities we serve by providing more donations than ever this Christmas.”

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “We’re pleased to have supported Aldi once again during what is often one of the busiest periods for our charities.

“Large donations like Aldi’s allow us to provide vital support to communities across the country who would otherwise miss out.”

Charities face staff and volunteer crisis 

A third of organisations reported recruitment as one of their top challenges

Third Sector organisations in Scotland are increasingly facing shortages of staff and volunteers, a new report has warned.  

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found that issues relating to staffing and volunteers are one of the top challenges for a third of voluntary sector organisations.

Data from the tracker observes the emergence of the sector from the Covid-19 pandemic through 2021, followed by the development of the cost-of-living crisis and associated organisational concerns during 2022 and 2023.  

In August 2021, 35% of organisations reported a significant concern about staff and volunteer numbers. Just two years on, that figure has now risen to 65%, with only finances currently proving a bigger challenge for the sector.  

While staff and volunteer support remain a growing concern, third sector groups report an ongoing increase in demand for their core services and activities over the six waves of the tracker. In Wave 1 (Aug 2021), 56% of organisations reported an increased demand, rising to 63% by Wave 6 (Apr 2023). 

These factors, on top of growing financial pressures due to the rising costs crisis and public sector funding cuts, are leading to a perfect storm for charities and voluntary groups, with strain put on already stretched teams.  

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “The Scottish voluntary sector is a significant employer, providing jobs for 5% of the Scottish workforce. 

“At a time where many organisations are facing recruitment challenges, the funding environment means that many voluntary organisations are struggling to keep pace with salary increases needed to attract and retain staff. 

“Existing staff and volunteers have been working flat out since Covid, helping organisations and communities to weather the cost-of-living crisis.  We can no longer afford to rely on their goodwill to go the extra mile.  The invaluable services and supports provided by Scotland’s voluntary sector need sustainable investment to ensure their survival.” 

Volunteer Scotland are also concerned by the staff and volunteer crisis facing the sector, highlighted by the Third Sector Tracker. The recent release of the 2022 Scottish Household survey results reinforces the volunteer crisis, with formal volunteer participation rates falling by 4 percentage points since 2019 to 22% – this equates to less than one million Scottish adults volunteering.  

In light of the current crisis, the actions that can be undertaken by volunteer involving organisations include ensuring that volunteer expense policies are clear and considering how roles can be made more flexible to fit with the decreased time volunteers have available.  

Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland said: “The many impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on volunteering has meant that we can no longer take for granted the contribution of our volunteers.

“While recruitment and retention issues are being felt more acutely by some, the first step for all must be the focus on good volunteering practice, appropriately supported.” 

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organisations based across the whole of Scotland, who are willing to share their experiences, views and concerns as the sector faces both new and ongoing challenges. 

The Tracker is run by an independent research company called DJS Research on behalf of SCVO, the Scottish Government, the William Grant Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Those involved in the running of a third sector organisation operating in Scotland are invited to represent their organisation as a member of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker.  

An Executive Summary of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker’s First Phase of research can be found here: 

https://scvo.scot/policy/research/evidence-library/2023-scottish-third-sector-tracker-waves-1-to-6-executive-summary 

Funding support for charities providing food, shelter and warmth

Over 800 charities and community organisations in England struggling with increased demand have been awarded funding as part of a £76 million package

  • Food banks, warm hubs and safe spaces amongst the first 800 charities to benefit from support for frontline charities and community organisations meeting increased demand for critical services   
  • Up to £38 million already allocated to support organisations carrying out vital work helping the most vulnerable
  • Additional package of support to improve the energy efficiency of community organisations now open for applications

Over 800 charities and community organisations struggling with increased demand have been awarded funding as part of a £76 million package to help vulnerable people.

Projects tackling food poverty, homelessness charities and services offering financial advice are amongst those to benefit from funding, providing a much needed funding boost for those  meeting increased demand for their critical services. 

The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, will continue to make awards from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund  throughout December and January.

UK Minister for Civil Society Stuart Andrew said: “Charities and community organisations are on the frontline helping the most vulnerable in society, and we are allocating £100 million in recognition that they are struggling too, as demand and costs both increase. 

“Over 800 charities have already been awarded these significant grants, meaning they can continue to help those in need and we will continue to roll out funding at pace.”

This funding comes at a critical time as charities and organisations support more people struggling to heat their homes and access hot meals. Grants worth between £10,000 and £75,000 are being allocated to cover project and core costs, including for premise rent, utilities, staff and volunteers.

David Knott, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to be distributing Government funding to enable frontline projects in England to support communities facing the impact of the rising cost of living.

“From the provision of food, shelter and safe spaces, to financial or housing advice, over 800 awards have already been made to critical services that will strengthen communities and improve lives at a challenging time.”

Examples of organisations that will be supported include:

  • Springwell Village Community Venue, Sunderland (above): Funding of £45,000 is supporting the project to focus on its food supply of hot meals and food parcels, and the provision of toiletry packs for disadvantaged young people and older people in the community. It will also provide a safe and warm space over the winter months to support those struggling with the rising cost of utility bills. 
  • Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Merseyside: In the past 12 months BYCC have adapted their support offer to provide additional food, clothes and essential items due to significant surge in need. Funding of £39,500 will support the project to deliver these services and expand the offering to more beneficiaries, as well as increasing access to their warm space. 
  • Muslim Women’s Council, Bradford: The Curry Circle project provides hot meals in a warm environment to anyone facing food poverty. Funding of over £50,000 is supporting  it to revive a number of services including increased number of hot takeaways, doorstep delivery of food parcels and survival packs with sanitary products. They also aim to provide weekly access to debt advice at the venue where the meals are served.
  • SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets, London: SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets is a community-based charity providing services including after school clubs, holiday provision, youth services, employment support, women’s services, health and fitness programmes and older peoples’ services for disadvantaged residents in the borough.  Funding of over £28,000 will support the continuation of these services, including a food bank, youth safe hub, a warm hub for those aged 50+ and clothing recycling programme (below). 
  • The Centre Project Limited, Leicester: This community hub has been awarded over £40,000 to expand and continue its range of services, which includes a foodbank, warm space, hot meals, social activities, youth club and advice services. They support people who may be vulnerable due to loneliness, isolation, poor housing, unemployment, homelessness, mental health issues or in crisis. 
  • Housing Matters, Bristol: Housing Matters offers an advice, support and advocacy service for people in housing and financial crisis in and around Bristol, advising clients on disputes with landlords, rent arrears, disrepair and overcrowding amongst other issues. Funding of nearly £40,000 is supporting it to pay for the running costs of its housing advice service including telephone, email and face to face support offered at community centres.  
  • SHAPE Birmingham, Birmingham: SHAPE offers shelter for homeless young women. SHAPE is currently facing an increase in demand for its services due to a rise in the cost of living, alongside a rise in running costs of the hostel. Funding of over £35,000 is supporting them to hire a part time worker, enabling them to support more young women. 
  • Christian Action and Resource Enterprise, Grimsby: Christian Action and Resource Enterprise Ltd (CARE) is an established charity running various projects including housing, food, furniture and emergency supplies, warmth, a safe space, and financial and housing advice in North East Lincolnshire. Funding of £75,000 will pay for extra staff hours and the cost of additional IT infrastructure, allowing it to continue its work assessing residents for food and utility vouchers; giving advice and help with finances; support for those struggling with domestic abuse; and providing housing for vulnerable people.

As part of the £100 million package of support allocated during the Spring Budget, it was also announced that £25.5 million will be used to pay for measures to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency. 

Funding will help the long term energy and financial resilience of the sector as well as supporting the Government’s commitment to meeting a net zero target by 2050. Via independent energy assessments, organisations will be able to identify how to reduce bills through measures such as improving or installing new energy features in the building.

The fund will also support the installation of new energy measures, such as insulation, heating and lighting systems, where applicants are eligible. 

Applications for the £25.5m VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, administered by community charity Groundwork, are now open. Eligible organisations are able to apply for funding via the Groundwork website. 

This funding follows a support package of £750 million dedicated to help charities adapt and maintain essential services during the pandemic as part of the government’s unprecedented £400 billion COVID support package.

Awards offered under CCLF

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Charity insurance specialist advises long-term planning for success

16 new charities launch in The Lothians this year

In 2023, 629 charities were established across Scotland, an increase of 25 compared to the previous 12 months. Of these, 116 were registered in The Lothians*, signifying a growing trend for people keen to make a meaningful difference in their communities as well as society at large.

The research was conducted by Ansvar, an expert insurer for the charity and not-for-profit sectors, using data available from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. It reveals a shift in the philanthropic landscape, indicating that more people are actively seeking ways to contribute positively.

This is prompting Ansvar to extend its support and guidance to those aspiring to establish charities and community organisations.

Martyn Fletcher, Deputy Managing Director at Ansvar, said: “The increase of charitable registrations is definitely something to be celebrated.

“We understand that navigating the complexities of setting up and running a charity successfully can be complicated. It requires careful consideration and planning to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

“We are keen to empower those who want to establish their own charitable organisation in 2024 with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure the longevity and impact of their charitable endeavours.”

With the rise in charitable registrations, Ansvar is providing essential advice and guidance on the often-overlooked aspects of establishing and running a charitable organisation:

Identify the cause and purpose: 

Clearly define the mission and objectives of the charity and what positive impact it hopes to achieve. Find out if any charities are already providing the same services, as working together can be more effective than setting up a new charity and competing for resources.

Legal structure: 

Choose an appropriate legal structure for the organisation, such as a named fund or trust, social enterprise, or Scottish charitable incorporated organisation (SCIO). Each entity type has distinct legal and regulatory obligations, and being registered as a charity may pose limitations on pursuing the desired activities. It is therefore vital to understand the differences and restrictions.

Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment: 

The assessment should include considerations for insufficient funding, governance, compliance, fraud and cybersecurity, and legal and regulatory risks.

Create a business plan: 

Develop a detailed business plan outlining goals, activities, target beneficiaries, and anticipated outcomes. Include a budget that covers startup costs, operational expenses, and potential funding sources.

Registration: 

Register your charity with the appropriate regulatory body, such as the Scottish Charity Regulator, and ensure understanding and compliance with legal requirements for registration.

Insurance considerations: 

Assess the insurance needs of the charity, considering the size and nature of the operations, particularly in relation to staffing, volunteers and fundraising activities. Explore insurance options and work with a provider that understands the nuances of the sector.

Financial management: 

Explore potential funding sources, such as grants, donations, and fundraising activities.

Martyn Fletcher added: “Many people embarking on the journey of setting up a charity or community organisation may not be aware of the intricacies involved.

“By carefully addressing each of these steps and risks, aspiring charity founders can lay a solid foundation for their organisations and increase the likelihood of making a positive and sustainable impact in their communities.”

* Data as per charities registered by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator between 1st January 2023 and 30th November 2023.

Scots encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign

For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas the specialist financial services group is giving £1,000 to ten charities each day – with 120 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost.

Nominations are now open and Scotland residents are being encouraged to nominate a cause they care about to give them a chance of receiving a share of the award money.

Draws will take place every weekday between 1st – 18th December and nominating is easy using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

Last year more than 17,700 people from across Scotland nominated good causes to receive an award, resulting in 12 charities landing donations.

Emma Razi, Head of Fundraising, at SCOTLAND: The Big Picture who benefitted from £1,000 last year, said: “We were thrilled to receive £1,000 via the 12 Days of Giving campaign. This supported our work to make more rewilding happen across Scotland – benefiting nature, climate and people.”

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We’re delighted to be giving away another £120,000 in valuable donations to causes around the country. We know that charities across the country are struggling, and for many the festive season is a critical time. We’re asking residents to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about.

“Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Benefact Group has donated over £200million to charitable causes since 2014 and has been recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK[1]. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.

Earlier this year, 300 £1,000 awards were donated followed by £480,000 of larger grants in October. 

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Lothian charities encouraged to safeguard donations and resources during Fraud Awareness Week

With Charity Fraud Awareness Week taking place between 27th November and 1st December, Ansvar, a leading specialist insurer for the charity, not-for-profit and faith sectors, is raising awareness about how organisations across The Lothians can be proactive to protect their assets, reputation, and beneficiaries.

The week serves as a vital initiative to promote understanding about the serious issue of fraud within the charitable sector. From deceptive grant applications to cyber-attacks, and individuals posing as suppliers with ill intentions, fraudulent activities can severely impact resources and reputations.

Sam Ward, Risk & Compliance Consultant at Ansvar, commented: “Charities and not-for-profit organisations play a crucial role in our society and must protect themselves against the nefarious tactics of fraudsters. Preventing charity fraud is not only about protecting financial assets but also maintains the crucial trust needed for the ongoing support of the public and donors.

“Charity Fraud Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder to be vigilant and take proactive steps to preserve valuable resources. We are supporting the work it does to raise awareness and highlight good practice. By providing practical information, we can help charitable organisations protect their assets and continue to make a difference.”

Ansvar’s key strategies that charities and not-for-profit organisations can implement to help protect themselves against fraud are:

Protect assets: Safeguarding physical cash and securing online transactions are paramount. Be aware of the risks in terms of financial transactions and implement strong internal controls to mitigate those risks.

Screen personnel: Ensure the right people are on board, from employees to suppliers. Implement comprehensive vetting procedures for staff and suppliers to identify potential risks.

Train staff: Educate staff about the tell-tale signs of fraud, such as common spelling errors in communication, unusual communication tones, or unexpected urgent requests from unknown sources.

Regularly assess risks: Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas within an organisation. Knowing where potential risks lie allows charities to implement safeguards and allocate responsibilities appropriately. Multiple individuals should oversee high-risk areas, such as finances, to create a robust system of checks and balances. Ansvar’s online risk assessment guide for charities may help.

Have adequate insurance: Having the right insurance is crucial. Ensure a policy covers the specific risks an organisation faces and be aware of any exclusions.

Ansvar’s Sam Ward explains: “Your insurance broker will be able to help you find the right policy for your specific needs. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to seek their guidance.”

Cyber-attacks are also a growing concern for charitable organisations. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats makes it challenging to differentiate between legitimate and malicious communications, especially without proper training and processes in place. Charities must invest in cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain the trust of their donors.

Sam Ward underscores the importance of these measures:

“Fraud, including cyber-attacks, is a very real threat. Charity Fraud Awareness Week is a reminder for charities to fortify their defences against deceptive activities, and we are encouraging charitable and not-for-profit organisations to take proactive measures to protect themselves.

“By implementing practical steps, charities can continue their invaluable work and ensure that funds entrusted to them are used for their intended purposes.”