Coronavirus (Covid-19) is affecting us all and not least charities and not-for-profit organisations. With social distancing in place, much of the sector’s income has been cut off overnight – fundraising events, conferences and training cancelled; charity shops, cafes and community venues closed. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is working closely with government officials to develop a package of financial support aimed specifically at the sector – an emergency fund. In the meantime, the NCVO has created a very useful guide on what trustees need to consider as a result of the pandemic and suggestions on how your organisation can run its day-to-day activities during the crisis. They also provide regular updates and guidance on actions you need to take to stay safe and protect your staff. Stay up to date with their news at https://www.ncvo.org.uk/
Any charity that needs an extension to their annual return deadline can contact the Charity Commission to request an extension - see Filing charity annual returns during the coronavirus pandemic . There is also specific advice for charities - Gov.uk Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance for the charity sector.
Every Day Counts is a collective campaign that highlights the impact of coronavirus on charities and asks the government to provide support. The campaign asks for emergency funding for frontline charities and volunteers responding to the crisis, a stabilisation fund to help charities stay afloat and confirmation that certain measures that apply to businesses will be eligible for charities. Please contact your MP and ask them to back this call by @SDoughtyMP and more than 100 MPs for an immediate injection of money to support charities, voluntary sector organisations and social enterprises during this crisis.
For credible information on the pandemic please go to:-
- Public Health England
- NHS Inform (Scotland)
- Public Health Wales
- HSC Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland)
- World Health Organisation
Maps