Small Charities, Big Impact: The Role of a Trustee in Small Charities by

Small charities are often the unsung heroes of the charity world. They provide crucial services and support to an array of recipients, often at a personal level that larger charities can’t always offer.

As a Trustee, I have had the privilege of working closely with charities focused on the Entertainment sector, including organisations such as the Creative Mentor Network and Screen Education Edinburgh . Both organisations share a common goal: to empower young individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their passions in the creative industry, a mission that I strongly believe in.?

Trustees are in place to bear the responsibility of governing and guiding a charity's management. They play a role in advancing the purpose of the charity, focusing on its strategic development as well as operational rollout. Ultimately, when things go awry, the Trustees are the ones who are held accountable.?No pressure, right??I play a role as a Trustee in the Entertainment space because that’s where my personal passion, and expertise, lie and where I can contribute in the most meaningful way.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate some of the advantages and benefits that come with working for small charities. So, since it’s Small Charity Week, let’s take a beat to consider them here.??

See the impact first-hand

Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, one of the most rewarding aspects of working with a small charity is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the charity's operations and the lives of its beneficiaries.?To see the genuine impact of your work. As a Trustee, you often assume the responsibility of providing strategic direction, setting goals, and ensuring that the charity's activities are in alignment with its mission. Given the limited resources and staff that small charities often have, the decisions you make and areas you collectively focus on often result in a straightforward, and meaningful, effect on the organization and the people it serves.?You can see the positive impact these decisions are having on the lives of those the charity supports.?Small charities often have greater flexibility and agility, so you often get to observe the positive effects of your actions more immediately than you might in larger organisations.

Use your experience

For many, working for small charities will provide them with the opportunity to apply corporate or industry experience in a relevant and tangible way. As a Trustee, I get to leverage my own experience and expertise across the film, media, video game and toy industries to help organisations achieve their specific goals.?It's quite common for charities to assess their board's skills and actively seek individuals with specific expertise areas, such as legal, HR and finance acumen, to help any gaps that may exist.?If you have specific skills you’re keen to leverage outside of a corporate sphere, this could well be an area to consider applying them.

Flex your skills

Another notable benefit of being involved with a small charity is that you often have the chance to engage in multiple facets of the organization versus being confined to a more specific function or role. In small charities, you can play a part across multiple areas: from marketing to fundraising to program delivery. This provides a broader perspective on the organisation's operations and naturally allows you to acquire new skills and experiences.?A win for you and a win for the charity.

Build relationships?

Finally, since small charities are, well, small,?you also get the opportunity to engage with many of the individual team members.?This means you are often able to create very strong relationships, both within the Board itself and across the wider organisation. This creates greater efficiency, stronger collaboration and quicker problem solving.?There is also far less of an opportunity for confusion to arise around the organisation's vision, message, or mission.

This perhaps goes without saying, but one of the best aspects of working for small charities is the fulfilment that comes with knowing you are helping to make a small difference. Time outside of work is of course incredibly valuable. Dedicating that time to give back can be a truly addictive experience. And so, considering it’s Small Charity Week, is there perhaps an organisation you could contribute to with your own unique skillset??Where might your own passion align with that of a small charity??Where might you be able to deliver the greatest impact??

My guess is there’s a small charity out there waiting for you…

Written by Elliott J Linger , Partnerships Trustee