We have a responsibility to fly the fundraising flag for those that can’t.

Yesterday I sent an email to all our fundraisers.

The email included why I enjoy my job: talking to fundraisers; why they are incredibly important: the bread and butter of their charity; and how the last few weeks have been even more difficult knowing our sector’s income is being decimated and capacity reduced by fundraisers being furloughed; and most importantly what we’re going to do to continue helping them.

I was greeted with at least 50 automatic ‘I’ve been furloughed’ responses.

Similarly I missed a call and subsequently received a voicemail, from a wonderful fundraiser, who in her last half an hour, before she was being furloughed gave me a slice of her limited and very precious time. She explained her charity’s situation, her predicament and expressed her hope and determination for the future for both her job but even more clearly a positive outcome for the charity.

Her message was a huge testament to her team, her charity and a reflection on the whole of the sector.

In short, a furloughed fundraiser is unable to work, volunteer or champion their charity during their furloughed time.

However, we can, we must and I feel we have a responsibility to fly the fundraising flag for those that can’t.

So for all those who aren’t able to do your thing. We are here to help support you and your small business supporters and continue to champion the needs of the sector.

We are encouraging our small business community to give where they can and I’m delighted to reassure you they still are.

For those who are still working but with skeletal teams, a few thoughts on what you could do :

Together, we can reach more businesses, encourage little and often donations, keep your supporters engaged with your work and thank them wholeheartedly for continuing to recognise the importance of supporting the causes and charities they care about.

Take care,

Veronica Banford-Deane

Managing Director, Work for Good