A NEW grant from Wokingham United Charities (WUC) will support charities’ core costs, rather than specific projects.
WUC already offers project based awards to charities working in the borough, but its new Charity Champions Award can offer multi-year funding to help give security and flexibility to these groups.
Funding a charity’s core costs rather than harnessing money to a particular project is of great benefit to organisations.
Sally Russell, CEO of Wokingham charity The Cowshed, which has recently benefitted from Charity Champions, explained: “This grant is extremely exciting for us, and shows that Wokingham United Charities has real insight into what charities need.
“Their Charity Champions grant makes a massive difference to us in terms of our resilience and sustainability.
“It’s very difficult to raise funding for core costs, and like many other charities, we have been forced to try to develop new projects in order to attract support.
“This often involves hiring new staff members, on short term contracts just for the duration of the project, which isn’t healthy for them or for us as an organisation.
“We’re really proud of what we do on a day to day basis – it’s what we do best.
“Charity Champions, by supporting our core costs, without requiring us to create fundable projects, is allowing us to do exactly that.”
The Cowshed has been awarded Charity Champion funding of £10,000 per year for two years.
Amy Garstang, WUC charity manager, said: “It is clear that funding needs to be flexible and sustainable.
“It’s not just about financial assistance; it’s about stability and longevity.
“”Charity Champions offers the opportunity for funding for two years, of up to £10,000 per year.
“We aim to provide a solid foundation for the amazing charities driving change in our borough.”
The form for organisations to apply for Charity Champions has been designed to be simple and straightforward.
The grant can cover, but is not limited to, administrative overheads, staff salaries, rent, and other indispensable expenses crucial for the day-to-day operations of a charity.
Organisations applying for support must help and support people in the area with a Wokingham Borough Council postcode.
Also benefitting from Charity Champions, with a similar grant of £20,000 over a period of two years, is Home-Start Wokingham District.
Fundraiser for the group Amy Fennell, said: “The Charity Champions award is amazing.
“Wokingham United Charities has been very supportive of us in the past, but this is help on another level.
“We were completely astonished to be getting such a significant sum – it has always been so very hard to get support for our running costs, but these really are our main needs.
“The Charity Champions award gives us the ability to plan ahead, and to grow confidently and safely.
“It has meant that we can hope to be able to double the number of families we currently support.
“We’re absolutely thrilled.”
Amy Garstang, said: “For the past three years we’ve stood alongside the same dedicated organisations.
“Now, Charity Champions simplifies the grant process, eases administrative burdens and guarantees financial security for our chosen partners.
“Our resources aren’t unlimited, and not every organisation that applies will secure funding through the award, but our commitment remains unwavering.”
For more information, visit: www.wokinghamunitedcharities.org.ukwww.thecowshed.organd www.home-startwd.org.uk
