Like many things in life charities come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s our differences that make us all wonderfully unique.
So, in honour of #SmallCharityWeek the CharityComms team wanted to celebrate those who are small but mighty and give a shout out to some of the small charities we love. As a small charity ourselves we feel an affinity with all those who feature in our personal shout outs below as we know that even with a small team you can have big ambitions and deliver on them too….
The Eve Appeal
The Eve Appeal funds world class research in the prevention and early detection of gynaecological cancers. It’s a small charity punching well above their weight. Their annual campaign Get Lippy helps raise awareness and vital funds and is supported by Tesco and some of the best known beauty care brands who donate a percentage of their sales during May. The messaging is positive and it provides multiple ways to get involved from making a donation, to sending a virtual kiss to three people you admire on social media, taking a selfie and sharing it to help spread the love. Be sure to put Get Lippy in your Calendar for May 2022!
Adeela Warley, OBE, CEO
Youth Music
In a time where the live music and entertainment industries are struggling due to government restrictions it’s lovely to see Youth Music supporting the next generation of musicians. We also love to see small charities building their presence on newer social media platforms – TikTok and Instagram, using Reels. Their new initiative, #NextGenFund is offering emerging musicians, and behind the scenes creatives, grants of up to £2,500 to help them launch a project or business. The support doesn’t end there, as they are also running a range of workshops from music licensing to starting a record label.
Adel Hanily, digital content officer
Crohn’s and Colitis UK
I continue to be in awe of the wonderful work of Crohn’s and Colitis UK. They’re a small charity making a huge impact in supporting people with Crohn’s and Colitis. I love the way they advocate on behalf of those with Crohn’s and Colitis, created the Can’t Wait Card for members to use while out and about, and find creative ways to talk about sensitive issues. They’re also brilliant at providing opportunities for their supporters to get involved in a wide variety of ways – everything from advocacy work to individual treatment plans, breaking the stigma to fundraising and more! Their social media pages are amazing, highlighting the various aspects of their work. Most recently, alongside 17 other charities as part of the #SafeAtWork campaign, they have called on employers to ensure workplaces are safe for those people who are likely to not be as fully protected by the Covid19 vaccine.
Vanessa Weddell, head of events
FoodCycle
A small charity with massive drive and ambition. FoodCycle not only provides nutritious meals to those who need it most but they are also helping fight food waste and social isolation at the same time. Volunteers help turn surplus food into ‘community meals’ for those experiencing food poverty and/or loneliness and provide an invaluable service for all who use it. Although Coronavirus has meant FoodCycle has unable to run its usual communal meals they have not let this set them back. During the pandemic they have provided a much needed meal collection service and even set up a ‘check-in and chat’ service to help those feeling isolated.
Christine Fleming, head of digital content
Small Charities Coalition
97% of charities in the UK are small charities, sharing less than 20% of the money that goes to the charity sector, while over 73% of charities in the UK have an annual income of less than £100,000. Small but extremely mighty, they provide an astonishing range of services, resources and support up and down the country. The amazing Small Charities Coalition team offers a wealth of great training and advice for small charities, from info on how to set up as a charity to policy and campaigning.
Sarah Clarke, head of membership
Catcuddles
Who doesn’t love a cute animal picture right? One small charity that has tapped into the power of social media (and its audiences’ love of cat pictures) is Catcuddles. It has been using Instagram to successfully match pets with their forever homes by sharing beautiful feline pictures along with their background stories. It’s also great at shouting about its work and generally making use of other campaigns and days such as #NationalVolunteerWeek and #IWD2021. Check out their Insta here.
Emma Wickenden, senior events producer
Banner Image: Amy Shamblen on Unsplash