07.05.10 Small Charities Coalition responds to election results
On the face of it a hung parliament could have some positive outcomes for small charities. All three of the main parties have promised to improve things for small charities in one way or another. We hope that the parties who finally form the government work constructively together to achieve what is best for the sector. We would hope that working together to achieve consensus and compromise will result in a more rigorous approach that addresses the real concerns of small charities and will not result in delays and confusion.
For us the priorities for small charities remain the same, whatever the final hue of the government and we welcome all efforts to make these a reality:
Advice and support for small charities needs to be targeted, easily accessible and relevant. In particular, HM Revenue & Customs and the Charity Commission should make their web resources more prominent, simpler and easy to apply. They should also maintain and even increase services targeting small charities that do not have access or do not proactively use IT eg. Telephone advice
Deregulation of small charities. More charities should benefit from the lighter regulation enjoyed by ‘small charity’ status. It would also be beneficial for small charities to ensure that the monitoring thresholds are co-ordinated and aligned across the UK jurisdictions.
Recognising volunteering. We believe that employees should have a right to take additional paid leave for voluntary work. We would recommend a minimum of 1 day but preferably up to 5 days per year for medium and large employers (over £1m turnover). We believe this will particularly benefit smaller charities which often do not have the resources to pay for staff.
Simplification of VAT rules. Many small charities struggle to understand what applies and what does not and they spend valuable time ploughing through reams of information. Many are missing out on reliefs available to them purely through lack of awareness and understanding. Collaboration could be encouraged by exempting shared services.
Simplification of the Gift Aid rules. We support the simplification of rules for Gift Aid and the further promotion of its use. Along with NCVO we believe that an individual’s donation should be Gift Aided unless expressly stated. This would make a larger number of donations tax-efficient and increase charities’ income. We also support the Institute of Fundraising’s proposal to extend the transitional relief beyond the current end date of April 2011. This is in the hope the end of transitional relief will coincide with the implementation of Gift Aid reforms.
Improving trading for small charities. Raise the limit on the small charities’ trading exemption from £50,000 to £250,000
Treat sponsorship and advertising the charity’s work as primary purpose trading
Notes to editors:
1. The Small Charities Coalition exists to help small charities access the skills, experience and resources they need to achieve their aims.
We know from our own experience that many small charities suffer from a chronic lack of resources, skills and expertise, despite having an abundance of passion and commitment. The Small Charities Coalition is like a voluntary sector matchmaking service, matching small charities with other organisations that have the skills, experience, and in some cases resources, that the small charity lacks.
The Small Charities Coalition is about helping small charities to help themselves, and enable them to have access to the considerable expertise of their larger counterparts in the charitable sector or those from other sectors.
2. Small Charities Coalition
24 Stephenson Way
London
NW1 2DP
Tel: 0207 391 4812
Email: cath.lee@smallcharities.org.uk
Web: www.smallcharities.org.uk
3 Registered Charity No.: 1122297
25.02.10 Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of Charity Commission visits the Small Charity Coalition
The Small Charities Coalition was delighted to receive a visit from Dame Suzi Leather on Thursday 18th of February. Both Dame Suzi and Kensa Cooper, Charity Engagement Advisor at the Commission were very keen to hear about what the Small Charities Coaltion does and how we engage with small charities. Dame Suzi was especially interested to know what small charities want from the Charity Commission and how the Commission can do things differently to help them. She was very aware of the fact that small charities struggle much more than larger ones and was eager to discuss those concerns with us.
Dame Suzi Leather, who has been the Chair of the Charity Commission since 2006 and who has a long-standing relationship with the third sector through her voluntary work and community projects said she is very supportive of the Small Charities Coalition. She continued by saying the Coalition is a brilliant idea, and particularly supports the way it enables small charities to get free, targeted support from the bigger charities. She came across very pragmatically and talked about her desire to see the Commission’s services catering more effectively for even the smallest of charities in the country.
The discussions continued around various different and specific examples of problems faced by small charities and how the recession has or still is affecting them. Both Dame Suzi Leather and Kensa were also keen to know what could be the possible impact of the plan to phase out cheques in 2018.
Kensa Cooper explained that the Commission is committed to providing better services for small charities and their charity engagement team is planning to organise a series of events and will involve the Small Charities Coalition in this work. The Commission is also beginning work on a toolkit for small charities and has asked Small Charities Coalition to work with them on it.
All in all, the afternoon meeting with Dame Suzi Leather and the Small Charities Coalition team was very constructive. Clearly small charities are at the top of the Commission’s agenda at the moment and their commitment and desire to improve the support available was genuine and is beginning to translate into some action.
Please do get in touch with us with your views on any of the topics we have mentioned. Email Mridu.rana-harrop@smallcharities.org.uk or phone us on 020 7391 4812. We would love to hear from you and your comments can only help in influencing the development of better services for small charities.
15.02.10 Did you find your perfect match this Valentine’s? (Editorial)
Valentine’s Day might have come and gone leaving you either with a feeling of euphoria or maybe nausea – or maybe both! It is not too late to salvage something sweet -the Small Charities Coalition can still help you couple up with someone who will help you live happily ever after!
Thousands of small charities suffer from a chronic lack of resources, skills and expertise, despite having an abundance of passion and commitment.
The Small Charities Coalition exists to help these small charities access the skills, experience and resources they need to achieve their aims. The Coalition is like a voluntary sector matchmaking service, matching small charities with other organisations that have the skills, experience, and in some cases resources, that the small charity lacks. These skills and experience may come from a fellow small charity - known as a friend to the Coalition - or from a supporter, for example a larger charity or a business. Becoming a friend of the Coalition is FREE.
We aim to match you with the most appropriate skill, experience or resource you need .We will offer you support and encouragement as well as free advice on best practice and good governance.
“I got to learn from Mathew’s (Mathew Gilbert, Woodford Foundation) considerable expertise on writing applications to Trusts and Foundations. His advice was very specific and as a result invaluable…other charities should get involved with the Small Charities Coalition (SCC) because it’s an invaluable resource. It is so useful to have someone else working in the same sector share their experience and knowledge with you. It gives you more faith in your own work and ability.”
Heather Rayment, Fundraising Development Manager, The Quest Charitable Trust
Please find out more and sign up on our website:
www.smallcharities.org.uk. Or you can call 0207 391 4812 or email info@smallcharities.org.uk. Thank you!
10.02.10 Small charities pinned down the big guys
On the evening of the 20 January 2010 we at the Small Charities Coalition (SCC) were delighted to host representatives from HM Revenue & Customs, HM Treasury, and the Charity Commission with members and supporters of the SCC for an event we called ‘Small charities, BIG questions’.
HMRC, Treasury and the Charity Commission wished to speak with small charities – admitting that their attention had tended to lean more towards the larger charities in the sector - to discuss the important tax and regulatory issues facing smaller charities, plus get feedback on their own performance in general.
In advance of the event the SCC surveyed thousands of charities with questions from HMRC, Charity Commission and Shadow Minister for Charities, Social Enterprise and Volunteering Nick Hurd. The results from the 259 respondents provided a basis for the evening discussion. Read the Exective Summary here and read the 'Small Charities, BIG Questions' survey findings full report here.
The Question Time style event provided some lively debate between panelists and audience, most notably (and perhaps predictably) around the subject of Gift Aid. From the survey findings the HMRC and Treasury recognised that many small organisations found the whole process complicated and they were keen to find out why.
The Charity Commission were out to get a sense of how well small charities felt they were performing as a regulatory body with a particular focus on their website and the registration process. Whilst feedback on the clarity and accessibility of information on the Charity Commission website was generally very positive, it was clear from the survey and the audience that the registration process could be made simpler and easier to complete.
The ‘Small charities, BIG questions’ event also marked our one year anniversary since the public launch of our skills matching service and the SCC Trustees, staff and volunteers invited the panel and audience to celebrate the charity’s achievements with birthday cake and wine. We also announced the winner of the ‘Small charities, BIG questions’ survey prize draw and the lucky charity was the Sherburn House Charity who walked away with an Amazon gift voucher.
The event provided a valuable occasion for small charities to share their stories, concerns and praise. It gave the regulatory and tax bodies the chance to explain what they do and why they do it and engage directly with those in the sector that are often forgotten, and the evening proved an invaluable experience for all those involved.
More information:
- Small Charities, BIG Questions, survey results full report
- More in-depth write up of the Question Time discussion
- Alternative write up from Small Charities Coalition friend Yaarah Schools
10.12.09 ‘Small Charities, BIG questions’ event and our first birthday celebrations
The Small Charities Coalition is hosting an evening event in the New Year titled ‘Small charities, BIG questions’. Representatives from HMRC and the Charity Commission will be there to discuss the results of a survey we’re sending to small charities and to take any questions the audience might have. The event will take on a Question Time feel (but with questions fired from both sides) and will be chaired by our very own Chair and CEO to the Directory of Social Change: Debra Allcock Tyler.
After questions we then get to the very important matter of celebrating our first birthday (since the public launch of our service). They’ll be cake, drinks and merriment to blow away those January blues.
The event is strictly invite only so if you would like to attend please email events@smallcharities.org.uk with your name and organisation. For more information contact Mridu on 0207 391 4812.
30.10.09 Small Charities Coalition backs the Charity Commission's new model constitution for charities with under £5000 income
A new, simplified constitution for very small charities has been launched by the Charity Commission in partnership with umbrella bodies across the sector.
The new constitution is designed to provide a concise, practical framework for charities with an income of under £5,000. It uses clear, direct language that is easy to understand, is only 700 words long and covers all the requirements for a very small charity which does not own land or employ staff.
The Charity Commission teamed up with the Small Charities Coalition and eight other umbrella organisations to take a fresh approach to writing a new constitution specifically for small charities. Combining the Commission’s extensive experience of charity law with the partners’ in-depth knowledge of community development ensures it will be a practical and helpful document for people who want to set up a very small charity. The Welsh County Voluntary Councils and umbrella body WCVA played a crucial role in piloting the small charities constitution in Wales, to make sure it was a practical and effective tool for very small charities. The constitution is jointly promoted through the websites of ACRE, BASSAC, Charity Commission, Community Matters, CTN, DSC, NAVCA, NCVO, WCVA and of course, the Small Charities Coalition.
Charities with an income of less than £5,000 do not need to register with the Commission, but are still subject to charity law. If the income of the charity grows larger than £5,000, the charity will need to register with the Commission and will need a more comprehensive governing document.
This constitution is a useful addition to the range of other model constitutions produced by the Commission and other organisations. Trustees should also be aware that many national charities already produce their own model constitutions, including Parent Teacher Associations, the Pre-School Learning Alliance, Women’s Institutes, Scouts and Guides. The new small charities constitution is not intended for these specific groups.
Download the constitution here
Find more information on the Charity Commission's website here
30.09.09 'Small charities versus tough times': the Small Charities Coalition comes to Wales
Tuesday 29 September saw the Small Charities Coalition welcomed into the magnificent surroundings of the National Assembly in Wales for an evening of talks, networking and refreshments under the title of 'Small charities versus tough times'. The evening gathered around 100 individuals (representing more than 60 small charities) to hear talks from Harry Isles, Head of Wales Office at the Charity Commission, Christine Chapman, Assembly Member for the Cynon Valley (and our host for the event!) and Patrick Cox, Founder and CEO of the Small Charities Coalition. The evening was an opportunity for small charities to have a night off, share stories, gain fresh knowledge and new ideas, and learn more about us, the Small Charities Coalition. The evening was extremely enjoyable for us and the feedback we recieved has been very positive. We hope very much to come back next year.
29.09.09 Small Charities Coalition's Trustees passed a special resolution to state that:
The Small Charities Coalition will not, under any circumstances, accept a donation or gift from the British National Party ("BNP"). The BNP's views are completely at odds with all the charity sector stands for including diversity, inclusivity and tolerance. We particularly wish to support the work of charities - both small and large -that work tirelessly to combat rascism and promote racial justice.
23.06.09 Brighton Marathon launched Sunday 18th April
The Marathon is offering two categories of Charity Entry – “Red” & “Magic”. Note, that any one charity will be limited to a combined total of 25 entries from the two categories initially. A view on further access to entries will be taken one month after entries have opened. The idea of this is to try to expand the time period for access to our charity entries; limiting buy-up to this number initially, increases the chances of charities of all sizes and financial ability, having a chance to participate. Patrick Cox, Founder and CEO at the Small Charities Coalition who is well known for his running of marathons around the world dressed as a giant pair of testicles for his other charity Male Cancer Awareness Campaign welcomed the launch of the Brighton marathon with "very much a small charities focus".
If you are a charity interested in taking up Brighton Marathon Charity Entries, please email us at info@brightonmarathon.co.uk or call 08453 100088 to leave a message.
02.06.09 OTS bulletin: Online application for Modernisation Fund grants open
From 1st June to 17th July, third sector organisations with an annual turnover of between £150,000 and £750,000 are invited to apply online for a £1,000 bursary from the Government's Real Help for Communities Modernisation Fund Grants Programme which is being delivered by Capacitybuilders.
The £1,000 bursaries will allow organisations to buy at least two days of advice and support to explore how they can become more resilient and work more closely with others, including through collaboration or merger. From the Autumn, £10,000 grants will be available to help organisations which have gone through Phase One of the programme and would like to take further significant steps towards collaboration or merger.
You can find out details of how to apply via the following link below: Modernisation Fund
You can find details of the other support available from Real Help for Communities on our website via the following link: Real Help for Communities
27.02.09 Free fundraising training for small charities
The Small Charities Coalition are delighted to have teamed up with Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and the Institute of Fundraising (Institute) to offer free one day fundraising training to friends of the Coalition with an annual turnover below £100,000.
The training will look at fundraising planning and Gift Aid, and offer a practical and engaging day for trustees, staff and volunteers of small charities to address their fundraising needs.
Panikos Efthimiou, Training Manager at CAF and leader of the training days say: the aims and outcomes couldn’t be simpler. ”The idea is that each of the delegates will walk away with a draft fundraising plan and a good understanding of how Gift Aid works and making [Gift Aid] work for them once they start putting their fundraising plan into action”.
Lee Grant, Project Manager – Tax-Effective Giving at the Institute says "In the current economic climate, voluntary organisations should maximise every donation they receive and Gift Aid is a simple way to do it. It doesn’t cost the donor anything extra and can increase voluntary donations by nearly a third".
If you would like your charity to be part of these free training days, visit www.smallcharities.org.uk, complete the online form and state your charity’s needs. Remember, in joining the Coalition you must be prepared to share your own skills, experience and knowledge with other fellow small charities.
10.02.09 Small Charities Coalition launches its Valentines Day Perfect Match Campaign
This Valentine’s day, the UK will spend a staggering £1.6 billion on showing their perfect match they care. Small Charities Coalition is driving a campaign to offer an alternative way to find an ideal match with relationships that will remain long after the roses have wilted.
There are 164,000 small charities and many struggle on a daily basis suffering from a chronic lack of resources, skills and expertise, despite having an abundance of passion and commitment. The Small Charities Coalition offers a voluntary sector matchmaking service, matching small charities with other organisations that have the skills, experience, and in some cases resources, that the small charity lacks.
These skills and experience may come from a fellow small charity who is a Coalition friend or from a Coalition supporter. Supporters are usually larger charities, public or private sector organisations. Benefiting from the Small Charities Coalition is free. All they ask is that Coalition friends donate 24 hours of their time over a year to help their fellow small charities.
Patrick Cox, SCC founder said: ‘The Small Charities Coalition is about helping small charities to help themselves, and enable them to have access to the considerable expertise of their larger counterparts in the charitable sector or those from other sectors. The more charities that sign up, the more charities we can help.’
Find your ideal match at www.smallcharities.org.uk
12.12.08 British Red Cross and Beatbullying sign up to the Coalition
We can confirm that British Red Cross and Beatbullying have signed up as supporters of the Small Charities Coalition.
British Red Cross will encourage senior managers to become trustees of small charities and share their connections and expertise. "We hope that Board level experience will contribute to our teams professional development, whilst keeping them in touch with a range of different client groups - at an often far more intimate level than many large charities can achieve!" says Roger Smith, Director of HR and Education Services at British Red Cross.
Beatbullying have pledged that all 30 of their staff will donate a minimum of 24 hours of their time per year and have reported a high level of interest in staff becoming trustees of small charities. "This is an important aspect of staff development" said Emma-Jane Cross, Chief Executive at Beatbullying, "as well as a contribution to emerging and small charities".
Beatbullying have also teamed up with the Small Charities Coalition in delivering mentoring skills training in 2009 to charity staff that may be thinking of becoming mentors to small charities.
If your charity is looking for a quality trustee or feel you'd benefit from having a mentor, join the Coalition today.
01.12.08 Small Charities Coalition launches its website
On Monday 1 December the Small Charities Coalition launched its brand new website at a special event hosted by Google UK. Guests heard from David Locke, Executive Director of Charity Services at the Charity Commission and Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive at the Directory of Social Change who highlighted the importance of small charities in the sector and the important role that they play within communities. Representatives of small charities also got the opportunity to gain insightful knowledge and advice from one of Google's web experts into how they can maximise the impact of their own website.
This event will be followed by another in the New Year that aims to team talented student web designers with small charities to build and develop their very own websites.
If you are interested in being matched with a talented web designer, become a friend of the Coalition and highlight your need in our survey.
Patrick Cox addressing guests at the website launch