Many charities are facing
increased levels of demand for their services because of
the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK. At the same time, the sector
could lose a considerable proportion of its revenue following the
closure of charity shops and other venues and the cancellation of
fundraising events. The National Council for Voluntary
Organisations has estimated charities overall may lose
around £4 billion over a 12-week period as a result
of the pandemic. It has warned this would result in charities
becoming unable to provide essential services at a time of
increased need.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, , announced a £750 million package of
support for charities. This support is targeted at
charities providing services for people affected by Covid-19,
such as hospices and the St John Ambulance. Part of this funding
is also intended for small and medium-sized charities. Both the
National Council for Voluntary Organisations and the Labour Party
have welcomed this increased funding. However, both have argued
more government support would be needed to enable the sector to
continue to operate.
Government departments have also announced additional funding
for charities supporting the
victims of domestic violence, for mental health
charities and for charities working to
prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the developing world.
The National Lottery Community
Fund has also announced all its funding decisions for
the coming six months would be devoted to addressing the Covid-19
pandemic.
There has been an increase in the number of
people wanting to volunteer during the pandemic. The
Government has worked with the voluntary sector to increase
support for the NHS in England. Over 750,000 individuals
have volunteered to act as NHS volunteer responders, carrying
out tasks to support people with underlying health conditions
isolating themselves at home.
On 30 April 2020, the House of Lords is due to debate a motion
moved by (Liberal Democrat) that
“the Virtual Proceedings do consider the fundraising and
organisational challenges faced by the charitable and voluntary
sector during the Covid-19 pandemic”.
