Tag: Small Charity Week

Edinburgh charity shortlisted for national awards

This Small Charity Week, an Edinburgh chaity has been announced as a finalist for a prestigious national award, recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the small charity world. 
 
Grassmarket Community Project, which supports those furthest from employment, has been nominated for a Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Award.  
 
The CSJ Awards seek out the top charities nationwide, highlighting those that excel in innovation and effectiveness in the fight against poverty. The diverse panel of judges includes David Gandy, BAFTA-Winning Actor Toby Jones, and past CSJ Award winners along with cross-sector experts that come together to select the winners.
 
The Awards celebrate the best of the small charity sector who are providing innovative policy solutions to address the root causes of poverty across the UK.
 
Grassmarket Community Project exists to support people facing multiple causes of poverty in Edinburgh. The charity offers a long-term, strengths-based community for approximately 450 people each year offering mainstream support to build relationships, develop skills, and create pathways to long-term change.
 
Helene van der Ploeg, CEO of Grassmarket Community Project, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a finalist in the 2026 CSJ Awards. At Grassmarket Community Project, we are an open door to anyone experiencing social isolation and poverty in Edinburgh and beyond. 
 
“We see every day the extraordinary potential that exists when our members are given the opportunity and support to thrive through our huge programme of activities and social enterprises. To be recognised by the Centre for Social Justice is a tribute to them, staff, our volunteers and supporters across Edinburgh.”


 
Chris Murray MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: “‘It is fantastic to see the Grassmarket Community Project named as a finalist for the 2026 CSJ Awards. The Project is a true cornerstone of our community, providing vital space and services that support so many people.

“It stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose to make a positive difference.”


 
Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, said: “While political uncertainty continues at home and global challenges mount, there’s an army of small charities in some of our most deprived communities across the UK quietly rolling up their sleeves and changing lives.
 
“The CSJ Awards are the Oscars of the small charity sector where we celebrate the very best of those unsung heroes who rarely get the recognition they deserve.
 
“Today we are proud to announce our twelve 2026 finalists. We will be revealing the winners at our CSJ Awards ceremony in the heart of Westminster this November.”

Small charities named Britain’s most trusted source of support after friends and family

Small Charity Week 2026 launches

  • New survey finds that when Brits need help, they rank small charities as their most trusted source of support, second only to friends and family
  • Over 200 charities have been selected to take part in this year’s Small Charity Week match funding campaign, up from 189 in 2025
  • More than £1.2 million in match funding has been pledged by funders and philanthropists, allowing public donations to participating charities to be doubled during Small Charity Week (22–29 June)

Small charities have been named Britain’s second most trusted support system, according to new research (Global’s Work.Shop.Play April 2026) released today as the Small Charity Week match funding campaign launches across the UK.

Four in five (80%) people agree that small charities are vital to society and make a real difference in their communities, while nearly half have seen the impact of a small charity in their local area.

The high level of public trust reflects the essential role small charities play in their local communities, where growing demand for their services is placing increasing pressure on organisations already facing rising costs and challenges securing donations and grant funding.

The results come as hundreds of grassroots charities prepare to take part in the Small Charity Week match funding campaign, delivered by Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise and NCVO.

Running from 22 to 29 June, the campaign will double public donations to over 200  small charities, helping local organisations raise vital unrestricted funding to continue supporting people and communities. More than £1.2 million in match funding has been raised with support from generous funders, including players of the Postcode Lottery.

Demand to take part in the campaign has risen significantly. A total of 1,108 charities applied this year, rising by a third compared to 2025, highlighting the growing pressure facing small charities as demand for support rises and resources become increasingly stretched.

The campaign builds on the success of its inaugural year in 2025, which supported 189 charities and raised £1.8 million in just seven days.

Small charities continue to face significant challenges. Research from Small Charity Week 2025 found that only 3% of small charities described their financial position as long-term secure, while nearly half (49%) said they were at risk of closure within a year. Almost three-quarters (73%) reported increased demand for services, while 63% cited reduced grant funding as a key challenge.

James Reed CBE, Chair of the Trustees of Big Give, said: “Every day, small charities help people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, often with limited resources and little recognition.

“Through the Small Charity Week match funding campaign, we hope to help hundreds of grassroots organisations raise vital funds, strengthen their resilience and continue making a difference where it matters most.”

Lorraine Kelly, Big Give Ambassador, said: “Small charities do extraordinary work every day, often supporting people when they have nowhere else to turn. The findings of this poll reflect just how important these organisations are to communities.

“Unfortunately, many small charities are being squeezed more than ever before by cuts in grants, falling donations thanks to the cost of living crisis and increased demands for their services.

“Small Charity Week is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate and support what they do. Any money you can give will be doubled by Big Give – making your generosity go even further.”

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness at Global’s Make Some Noise, added: “Small charities are at the heart of communities across the UK, providing vital support to people when they need it most.

“Through this campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the organisations making a life-changing difference every day, often with limited resources and funding. We’re so proud to support and champion their work.”

Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: “Trusted, local and often shaped by people with lived experience, small charities have a deep understanding of the challenges people face and are relied upon every day to provide vital support.

“Without them, thousands of people would be left struggling alone and the results of this survey reflect that. Charities are essential and they remain trusted at a time when confidence elsewhere declines. That’s why they need our support, like this match funding programme, to continue delivering vital services.”

The Small Charity Week match funding campaign is part of Small Charity Week, the national campaign celebrating the essential role of small charities and community organisations.

To donate or find out more, visit: donate.biggive.org/small-charity-week-2026