The National Emergency Fundraisers programme will build on Scotland’s remarkable Covid response
UK disaster response charity, the National Emergencies Trust, has announced plans to pilot a National Emergency Fundraisers programme in Scotland that will empower local community networks to support nationwide fundraising efforts at speed during domestic disasters.
The programme will invite networked organisations across the UK who have members who can support those who have a presence at village and street level, like Business in the Community, to receive tools, support and early warning alerts to help them raise funds fast in their communities when national emergencies arise.
The programme will build on learnings from the National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal, which was able to raise nearly £100 million for those in great need within just weeks, thanks to fast-acting fundraisers. Nearly £10 million of this was distributed within Scotland, including £7 million to 1,400 grassroots charities and groups through Foundation Scotland.
At an event in Edinburgh co-hosted by the National Emergencies Trust, its patron, NatWest Group and partner, Foundation Scotland, the Trust, outlined how the National Emergency Fundraisers programme aims to build on Scotland’s ‘remarkable’ pandemic response.
Lord Dannatt said: “The generosity and community spirit shown in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic was nothing short of remarkable. It happened organically but has created powerful blueprints for how national and local organisations can come together to support those affected by disasters.
“By providing community networks with fundraising tools and support ahead of the next national emergency, we hope to help them to step up at speed during future emergencies, playing a valuable role in the UK’s disaster resilience.”
Responding to the pilot announcement, Stewart Prodger, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, said: “When crises arise, local community groups can be incredibly agile to act but it’s not always clear how they can best help those in urgent need.
“The National Emergency Fundraisers programme offers a chance to channel local energies and skills into fast, coordinated fundraising that could make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. With around 30,000 Neighbourhood Alert direct users, and over 1500 registered local groups, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland looks forward to hearing more about the pilot.”
Michael Duncan, Head of Giving Strategy & Programmes, Sustainable Banking at NatWest Group, which hosted the event at its flagship building in St Andrew Square, said: “It should be a source of great comfort that the National Emergencies Trust will be there during future domestic disasters to raise funds fast for those in urgent need.
“This new programme is a way to make that response even stronger, while enabling community groups to support the national giving effort at speed.”
Giles Ruck, Chief Executive of Foundation Scotland, who gave a keynote address at the event, said: “We learned from the pandemic that in times of national crisis, it is vitally important to get funds quickly to where they are most needed in communities.
“Based on this learning, funds raised by National Emergency Fundraisers will mean we can act fast to help those most affected by national emergencies, whether that’s offering financial support to survivors or awarding grants to local groups who can offer practical and emotional support.”
The event featured performances from charities that had received Coronavirus Appeal grants from Foundation Scotland.
These included a beautiful choir performance from the Forget Me Notes Project, who use music to build community and combat isolation in a variety of settings and entertainment by Dundee-based Shaper/Caper, a multi-award-winning dance organisation and charity who aim to shape the world through creative adventure.
Also present were Edinburgh-based intercultural charity, Building Bridges, who connect cultures and support emerging communities in Scotland and Blood Bikes Scotland, a charity run 100 per cent by volunteers providing a free transport service to the Scottish NHS.
The event in Edinburgh also marked the third anniversary of the National Emergencies Trust.
Launched in 2019 on the recommendation of the Charity Commission following learnings from the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire tragedy and terror attacks in Manchester and London that year, the Trust was created to help to coordinate public fundraising and ensure equitable fund distribution during domestic disasters.
The National Emergency Fundraisers National Emergency Fundraiser programme is a key part of the charity’s emergency preparedness work.
It will be piloted in Scotland over the coming months with networked organisations invited to input into the programme before its UK-wide roll-out next year.
To find out more visit: www.nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk
pictures: Lewis James Houghton
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