Welcome to the August edition of Charity Buzz!
As we enjoy the peak of summer 2024, we’re thrilled to share the latest edition of our bi-monthly digital newsletter. Our mission remains to be your go-to source for all things charitable and community-focused.
This month, we bring you exciting updates and inspiring trends for everyone dedicated to making a difference. Let’s celebrate the power of generosity and work together to create a brighter future!
News Bytes
Check out this edition’s News Bytes blog post by clicking on the below link:
Why Charities Should Care About Gathering Data and Staying in Touch
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 Wooden Spoon, the Children’s Charity of Rugby.
Wooden Spoon is a grant-making charity dedicated to funding life-changing projects for children and young people across the UK and Ireland. With a strong national presence, Wooden Spoon stands out due to its community-driven fundraising approach, ensuring that every penny raised by local volunteers is invested back into their local communities. Since its inception in 1983, Wooden Spoon has committed over £31 million to 1,465 projects, benefiting more than 1.5 million children and young people living with disabilities, or those who are disengaged or disadvantaged. Remarkably, in the past year alone, Wooden Spoon raised and distributed £1,000,700 in grants, supporting 107 charitable projects and positively impacting over 113,000 children and young people.
Charities seeking to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people may be eligible for a Wooden Spoon grant. Eligible projects can be either physical, tangible assets with a minimum life-span of five years, or educational and disability sports projects with a well-defined brief. Wooden Spoon does not fund salaries, administration costs, professional fees, or ongoing overheads. To apply, interested organisations should first check the qualifying criteria and then complete an expression of wish form for an initial assessment.
For more information or queries, charities can contact Wooden Spoon at [email protected]. This is a fantastic opportunity for charities to secure funding for meaningful, long-term projects that will benefit young people in their communities.
Apply for a Grant @ Wooden Spoon
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 featured charitable organisation is Parkrun, a not for profit organisation that organises free, weekly, 5km timed runs. What started as a small gathering of runners in Bushy Park, London, in 2004, has now grown into a global movement with millions of participants spanning across numerous countries. They are open to everyone, are free, safe and easy to take part in. These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and people of every ability are encouraged to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; everyone is welcome.
The Parkrun Experience
Inclusivity: Parkrun welcomes everyone, regardless of fitness level. It’s about participation, not competition, fostering a supportive community.
Volunteer-Powered: Run entirely by volunteers, Parkrun’s free events rely on a dedicated community. This model not only keeps it accessible but strengthens the sense of togetherness.
Milestones and Celebrations: Parkrun is more than a run—it’s a celebration of personal achievements. Whether it’s your first 5K or a significant milestone, the platform encourages acknowledgment and celebration.
Community Connection: Beyond the run, Parkrun builds lasting friendships. Post-run gatherings for coffee create opportunities for socialising and connecting with like-minded individuals.
In a world that often complicates health and community, Parkrun stands as a simple yet powerful solution. From improved cardiovascular health to enhanced mental well-being, Parkrun is a holistic approach to fitness. Now in its 20th year parkrun spans over 2,300 locations in 22 countries with more than 9 million people registered and counting.
To learn more about Parkrun, visit their website: www.parkrun.com
As well as highlighting a different charity in every issue, we are also including the report of an inspirational charity member or charity supporter, in our “Reach to Achieve” segment.
This edition features Wyre Men Sing, a newly formed male voice choir that recently performed their debut concert to raise funds for prostate cancer support.
In a heart-warming display of community spirit and musical talent, a newly formed 42-strong male voice choir, Wyre Men Sing, has successfully performed its debut concert to raise funds for prostate cancer charity. The choir, consisting of first-time singers, answered an appeal for volunteers by the Kidderminster Male Choir (KMC) and has since become a beacon of hope and camaraderie in Kidderminster. The project was launched to mark the 120th anniversary of KMC and support the Kidderminster and Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group (KWPCSG). Despite nearly collapsing when an anticipated sponsor withdrew, the initiative was revived through public and local business support. John Parkinson, KMC’s communications manager, praised the overwhelming response and enthusiasm from the community.
The culmination of their hard work was a gala concert held at Kidderminster’s St George’s Church on June 29, featuring performances by the Kidderminster Male Choir and the shanty group GRVIII. The new choir’s performance was met with enthusiastic applause, showcasing the transformative power of music and community.
Ian Butcher, who set up the Just Giving page, posted after the event: “Our gala concert last night was truly amazing from start to finish. Thanks to everybody involved for working so hard to make it such a success, and to our friends and families for their support and encouragement. Just Giving (incl. eventual Gift Aid), Offline Sponsorship and 100% of concert proceeds including the raffle will mean we should have raised at least £8500, which will be donated to our Charity Partner the Kidderminster & Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group”
The Wyre Men Sing project has already surpassed its fundraising targets, but donations are still welcome. Contributions will continue to support KWPCSG’s efforts in providing crucial assistance to men and their families affected by prostate cancer. As the final notes of their debut concert fade, the legacy of Wyre Men Sing endures — reminding us all that when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things.
You can check out their Facebook page to see highlights from the concert by clicking the below link:
The Wyre Men Sing Gala Concert
For more information and to continue supporting this worthy cause, please visit the Wyre Men Sing Project Choir donation page.
