Hope on the Horizon for Cornish Charities Amid Funding Crisis

In the shadow of a deepening recession, a staggering 95% of Cornwall’s 1,548 registered charities are grappling with a severe funding crisis.

These organisations, crucial to the wellbeing and livelihoods of many locals, face unprecedented financial strain as they predominantly operate with annual turnovers below £500,000. The crunch comes amid a two-decade decline in public funding, exacerbating the challenges for small-scale charities that form the backbone of community support across the region.

A Persistent Struggle for Survival

These charities, vital for thousands of Cornwall residents relying on essential support services, find themselves at a critical juncture. Nationally, while small charities constitute 92% of the UK’s 168,000 registered charitable entities, they receive a mere fraction – just 4% – of the total sector income. This disparity highlights the acute financial vulnerability of these organisations amidst the current economic downturn.

A Beacon of Support: The South West Summer Funding Round 2024

In response to this dire situation, The Fore, a not-for-profit venture philanthropy fund dedicated to empowering small charities and social enterprises, announces the launch of its South West Summer Funding Round. This initiative marks a significant commitment to aiding Cornwall’s charity sector, now entering its fourth year of grant distributions within the county.

The Fore’s offering is both generous and broad-reaching: up to three Cornwall-based organisations will be awarded an unrestricted grant of £30,000 each. In addition to financial aid, beneficiaries will gain free access to an expansive pro bono network comprising over 2,000 professionals, alongside invaluable skills training, peer networking opportunities, and impact measurement support.

Eligibility and Application

Open to Charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), Community Interest Companies (CICs), and Community Benefit Societies (CBSs) within Cornwall, the funding round seeks applicants from any sector, provided they have an annual turnover of less than £500,000. Mary Rose Gunn, CEO and founder of The Fore, emphasises the organisation’s commitment to supporting the remarkable work of local charities, encouraging them to apply for this life-changing opportunity.

Transformative Impact

The Fore’s impact on the small charity sector is undeniable. Nationwide, it has allocated over £9m through 555 grants, enriching organisations with more than 18,000 hours of skills support. In Cornwall alone, the past three years have seen over £250,000 awarded to eight deserving organisations, including Citizenship 4 Life, Curious School of the Wild, Refuge4Pets, and Inspiring Women Network.

Mary Wakeham, CEO of Refuge4Pets, shares her experience with The Fore, describing the funding and support received as “transformational” and instrumental in the continued provision of services to families escaping domestic abuse with their animals.

Apply For Funding

Charities interested in applying for the 2024 funding round are invited to register their interest from 12 pm on Thursday, 28th March, until 12 pm on Thursday, 4th April. Grant decisions will be announced in July, offering a glimmer of hope and a potential lifeline for those organisations striving to make a difference in these challenging times. For eligibility details and the application process, interested parties are directed to The Fore’s website under the “Who we fund” section.