Charity Buzz Issue 03 – October 2023

Welcome back to Charity Buzz, our newsletter dedicated to the world of charities. As we embark on our third edition, we’re excited to continue sharing news and information relevant to individuals who give their time and effort to making a difference in the lives of others.

News Bytes

Check out this edition’s News Bytes blog post by clicking on the below link:

Giving Tuesday 2023: How Charities Can Drive Online Action

Grants for Charities

A charity can approach a foundation and request a grant to help them carry out their work or achieve a project goal and help them give back to their local community. This gives vital help and support to those who are in need of it. Most importantly, a grant is deemed as a gift that does not need to be repaid. As with most things where you are requesting money, you will need to find out if your charity is eligible and fulfils certain criteria before applying for a grant.

Every Issue we will highlight a different entity that offers charity grants. 

This month’s Grab a Grant website is the Grantway.

Grantway is the ultimate destination for grants and funding opportunities, simplifying the grant-seeking process, as well as providing comprehensive resources and tools. Their experienced team of researchers and grant experts put together the most up-to-date information on a wide range of grants in sectors like education, healthcare, arts, and the environment.

They don’t just stop at listings though and offer in-depth guidance, including tips, templates, and step-by-step instructions for crafting compelling proposals. Whether a novice or a seasoned professional, Grantway empowers users with the knowledge and skills to increase their chances of securing funding. And best of all….it’s free for everyone with no hidden costs or subscription fees

Click here to go to the Grantway website and find out more information on all of the grants available.

If you want to find out more information about grants in general, who is eligible and how to apply for a grant, read our June 2023 Issue article, by clicking here.

Every issue we select a Charity to feature in our newsletter. Today our chosen charity is Toiletries Amnesty, a social, ethical and environmental organisation that ensures people in need have access to hygiene essentials, while also stopping excess products from going to waste.

In 2014 Karen Harvey founded Toiletries Amnesty – a charitable organisation working to end hygiene poverty and beauty industry waste. Supporting millions of people every year across the UK and beyond Toiletries Amnesty works hard to make access to hygiene essentials easy for those in need, while stopping masses of surplus products from going to waste.

What makes Toiletries Amnesty different is that it will never buy new products or incentivise further consumption. There are literally tonnes of useful, usable products being sent to landfill every day. Toiletries Amnesty is working to redirect that excess stock to its network of more than 600 charities, from homeless shelters and hostels, women and children’s refuges, mental health services, children and families centres, food banks, refugee support groups, NHS Trust services, schools and colleges, prison services, community groups and other good causes. 

Toiletries Amnesty has also recently announced that it will be launching an annual Circular Economy Awareness Week in March 2024, in a bid to encourage both businesses and individuals to close the loop on waste and do their bit for the planet and society. 

TA’s Fundraising Tip:

“Our top tip is all about storytelling. As humans we are more likely to be moved by an individual’s story, than by faceless stats and figures. Emotive storytelling really helps someone understand how their donation can make a real difference. And don’t forget to say thank you, whatever size the donation! Evidence shows that someone who is thanked is more likely to donate again.”

Small actions make big changes. Find out how you can make a difference at toiletriesamnesty.org

As well as highlighting a different charity in every issue, we are also including the report of an inspirational charity member in our “Reach to Achieve” segment.

In our latest edition of “Reach to Achieve,” we shine a spotlight on a truly remarkable individual, Tony Hudgell. His incredible journey of courage, resilience and unwavering determination has not only inspired us but has also raised significant funds for charity. Tony’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, reminding us all that no obstacle is insurmountable when you set your mind to it.

 

Tony’s Story: A Triumph Over Adversity

Tony’s story began with adversity, but his spirit and determination have transformed it into one of triumph. As a baby, Tony suffered unimaginable abuse, which resulted in life-changing injuries. Both his legs had to be amputated below the knee and he faced a long and challenging road ahead.

But Tony’s indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of his loving family propelled him forward. Despite the immense physical and emotional hurdles he faced, Tony was determined to turn his life around and make a difference.

 

Raising Funds for a Worthy Cause

Tony’s journey took a remarkable turn when he decided to use his own experiences to help others. In June 2020, at just five years old, Tony embarked on a mission to raise money for the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, which played a pivotal role in his recovery. His goal was to walk 10 kilometres on his prosthetic legs over the course of a month.

What Tony achieved next was nothing short of extraordinary. He not only completed the 10-kilometre challenge but exceeded everyone’s expectations by covering an astonishing 10 kilometres in just 10 days, to date raising over £1.7 million for the hospital that helped him in his time of need. His determination, courage and boundless energy captured the hearts of people around the world.

Continuing to Inspire

Tony’s journey is far from over and his most recent feat has been to undertake an Everest-inspired challenge to summit Orrest Head in the Lake District, which he achieved at the beginning of August this year, raising just shy of £49,000. Pretty impressive when his original goal was just £509!

His determination to make a difference knows no bounds and his story is a beacon of hope and resilience, a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit. We are honoured to celebrate his journey and look forward to witnessing the positive impact he continues to make on the world. Tony’s story reminds us that no matter the obstacles we face, we can reach new heights when we believe in ourselves and the power of compassion.

If you would like to support Tony in his mission or learn more about his incredible journey, please visit his Linktree page and join us in cheering him on as he reaches to achieve greatness:

https://linktr.ee/TonyHudgellFoundation

Together, we can make a difference and inspire change through acts of kindness and determination.

Main article & email photo source: tonyhudgellfoundation.org

If you would like to nominate someone for our Reach to Achieve segment, who you feel has shown incredible bravery or surpassed expectations in the face of adversity, etc. please contact us at [email protected] with details and photos where possible.

 

We hope you enjoyed reading the latest edition of our newsletter. Fill out the below form if you’d like to get updates directly to your inbox.

Want to find out more? Get in touch with us today!