We are here to help our members through these challenging times – bookmark this page as a source of the latest news, information, and support.
Managing in a Downturn - The Definitive Research Project
The Managing in a Downturn series has been tracking the effect of the recession on fundraising organisations in terms of actual effects and predictions for the future.
We have been working with the Charity Finance Directors' Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to carry out this definitive piece of research into the complex issues and challenges currently facing charitable organisations.
The latest findings from the January 2010 survey are available for members of the Institute to download below (remember to sign-in before clicking the appropriate link and you may need to download the latest update from adobe reader).
While many reports are signalling the end of the recession, it is clear from our research that fundraisers remain anxious despite actual fundraising results performing better than expected.
Managing in a Downturn January 2010 report for signed-in Organisational members.
Managing in a Downturn January 2010 report for signed-in Individual members.
The results of the first two reports in this series are available below:
Managing in a Downturn December 2008 report
Managing in a Downturn June 2009 report
On completion, signed-in members of the Institute of Fundraising will be able to access the latest report from this webpage.
Fundraising HealthCheck
Requested by the Institute, and conceived and developed by THINK Consulting Solutions, 'Fundraising HealthCheck' has been designed to provide a clear picture of your charity's current fundraising practice, and will offer practical advice and recommendations for developing and planning fundraising programmes and investment strategies.
Lindsay Boswell, IoF Chief Executive says:
'In this recession it is more important than ever that charities assess the fundraising security of their organisations - that they look at their fundraising and determine whether it is the right mix in the intensity needed to achieve its goals.
'In launching 'Fundraising Healthcheck', we are recognising and responding to the need for our members to present a clear case to their trustee boards and CEOs for continued and vital investment in diverse fundraising strategies.
'It would be easy for the Institute to write to members to encourage them to continue trying to convince their boards, but we wanted to do more. 'Fundraising Healthcheck' is a powerful tool which can give fundraisers something tangible to help guide and support their strategies.'
Develop a Recession-Resistant Strategy
In this article, Joe Saxton – former Institute Chair – outlines ten steps all organisations can take to help strengthen their financial viability in tough times. Check out Stairway to Survival.
Help and Advice
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has launched a confidential FREE helpline for charities worried about their financial viability. The helpline number is 0800 980 2000.
Members of the Institute also have access to FREE legal and advisory helplines – please check out the details in the Members Area of the website, or call the Membership Customer Services team on 020 7840 1010.
Government Response - Third Sector Action Plan
Following a period of consultation with nearly 100 third sector organisations, the Government has pledged to step up investment and support for the sector.
Real Help for Communities: Volunteers, Charities and Social Enterprises, is an action plan outlining £42.5 million support for the sector in this difficult economic climate.
Download a full copy of the report.
You can find further details of the plan on the website of the Office of the Third Sector.
Talking about the credit crunch..... Key messages to communicate to your supporters
It’s important that the sector echoes positive messages to try and reduce the impact of the economic slowdown: we mustn’t talk ourselves into reduced donations.
Remember:
- Don't make comments that encourage donors to think that cutting back on support for causes is the norm: encourage individual giving to continue as much as possible.
- Many causes are supporting those most affected by the credit crunch and demand for their services is going to increase: it is important for individuals to keep giving.
- Legacies (reliant on stocks and property) are likely to decrease over the next few years and there is evidence that corporate giving is also in decline: individual support is needed now more than ever.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
The Financial Services Authority is consulting on possible changes to the compensation scheme.
This scheme applies where banks or building societies are unable to pay claims against them. Details of how the scheme applies to charities are available on the Charity Commission website.
Read the consultation document.
Icelandic Banks
The Government announced a number of measures to protect charities, following the collapse of Icelandic banks:
- Small charities will receive the same protection as individuals and have deposits up to £50,000 protected.
- The Government has loaned money to the banks, which will help to safeguard the assets of larger charities.
- The Charity Commission has also issued guidance for charities who have money invested in Icelandic banks.
Events to guide you through
The Institute runs a series of events to help charities deal with the many issues and challenges involved in managing through recession.
One area aimed at increasing voluntary donations through Gift Aid was a recent focus. Gift Aid allows voluntary organisations to claim back 25% of tax on donations and is a simple and effective way to increase and maximise voluntary donations.
Check out the materials from the Fight the Recession with Gift Aid conference.
