Supporting charities emerging from COVID-19 lockdown

It was estimated that 1 in 10 charities would face closure due to the financial impact of Coronavirus. Indeed some wonderful children's charities did close. It's been tough.

So how can we support charities as they emerge from lockdown? COVID-19 has taken a top priority in many of our lives. Not only has it put our lives on hold but for many of us, it’s making money tight. What do you do if you still want to give back how can you make the greatest impact?

 Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to support small charities. Start with these top suggestions. 

1.     Offer Your Professional Skills

 There are many professional jobs that could be of great use to small charities if you donate your services. Maybe you have the expertise to update an organization’s website or share your marketing expertise. As a leader in your field, you can add significant value by becoming a trustee and steering the charity from the top.

2.     Support an Online Fundraiser 

Countless charities have online fundraisers at any given time. You can lend your support by donating to them or, sharing the link with others. Charities have been hit hard through not being able to fundraise, needing to stop or change the way they deliver their services and purchasing PPE equipment. Planned income is important to charities so perhaps you could become a monthly supporter of your favourite charity such as this scheme from Bristol Autism Support.

3.     Help Spread the Word

Whatever your preferred form of social media, your voice can be a powerful tool. Share posts on social media to spread awareness of the work charities are doing.

4.     Advocate for a Corporate Donation

Many companies have corporate social responsibility programs, a way for them to donate money every year. Reach out to your company or employer and recommend your favourite charity for this year’s donation.

5.     Put Your Hobbies to Use

Your hobby could become a way to support charities while you relax. Perhaps you can sew, knit, or crochet clothing for premature babies. If you enjoy baking you could bake for a charity such as Incredible Kids.

6.     Offer Donation Items

We all have extra items in our homes we never use. Go through your closets and look for items you can donate to a charity for whichever organization you choose.

7.     Shop Wisely

 Many stores have programs or events when they donate a portion of your purchase to a charity of your choice. Amazon Smile, for example, donates part of your purchase and is open to all UK charities. If your favourite charity isn’t registered yet, encourage them to do so. 

8.     Organize Your Own Online Fundraiser

There are plenty of websites that let anyone start a fundraiser, like GoFundMe or Just Giving. You can take a few minutes of your time to raise funds for any charity.

9.     Participate in a Letter-Writing Campaign

 You might not be able to volunteer in person because of COVID-19, but you can donate your time to write letters. A letter-writing campaign could help your charity solicit donations from businesses or reach legislators about ways to change policy at a high level.

 10. Host an online event for charity beneficiaries

 If your professional skills would be of use to members of a charity you could offer those skills through an online web event. There are so many ways to provide a service to those who use a charities services and now you don't need to be constrained by geographical location you could support a charity in a different part of the country.

 Supporting Small Charities to thrive in a pandemic

 If you want to give back to small charities there are many creative options. The options above allow you to support your favourite charities throughout COVID-19 and beyond. To offer your support to Incredible Kids, find out how to get involved or donate today. Which charity will you be supporting?