As we approach the festive season, we’re reminded of the power of giving and the incredible difference it can make. In this special December issue, we’ve hand picked the latest funding opportunities, tips for maximising your year-end campaigns and a special focus on how to make the most of holiday donations. Whether you’re looking to boost your online presence, secure that final grant of the year, or simply find inspiration, we’ve got you covered.
From all of us at Charity Buzz, we wish you a successful and joyful holiday season. Here’s to ending the year on a high note and gearing up for an impactful 2025!
News Bytes
Check out this edition’s News Bytes blog post by clicking on the below link:
Holiday Marketing Tips For Charities: 10 Digital Strategies To Boost Seasonal Giving
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 Blagrave Trust, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people and creating meaningful, systemic change. The Blagrave Trust focuses on supporting youth aged 14–25 across England, prioritising those with lived experiences of inequality and exclusion. Their mission is to build a world where young people are supported to drive change and have a voice in the decisions impacting their lives.
Through a range of grants, the Blagrave Trust partners with charities and organisations that align with its values of fairness, trust and long-term impact. They’re especially interested in funding projects that put youth leadership at the forefront, encourage collaboration and champion fairness.
What sets Blagrave apart is their commitment to co-creation with young people, ensuring that their voices are heard and central to the Trust’s work. By supporting organisations with direct youth engagement, Blagrave believes they’re driving change that is not only impactful but sustainable.
If your organisation shares this vision, explore their funding opportunities to see how the Blagrave Trust can support your work with young people.
For more information, visit blagravetrust.org.
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 Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that provides emotional, practical and financial support to bereaved British military children, helping them heal, grow and find joy after losing a parent in service.
Founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott, the charity was inspired by her own experience of heartbreak and the challenges she faced after losing her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, during his tour in Afghanistan.
Nikki’s Story: From Heartbreak to Hope
On June 2, 2009, Nikki’s life changed forever when her husband, Lee, left for his tour of duty in Afghanistan. Lee was a Corporal in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, passionate about his role and devoted to making a difference. Just over a month later, on July 10, Nikki’s world was shattered by the dreaded knock at the door: Lee had been killed in action. In an instant, Nikki was left to navigate life without her partner, grappling with the overwhelming grief of her own loss while facing the unimaginable task of helping their two young children, Kai and Brooke, understand that their daddy was never coming home.
For Nikki, the most painful part was witnessing the impact on their children. Kai, only five years old at the time, became withdrawn and plagued by nightmares, while baby Brooke, just seven months old, would never have the chance to remember her father. In the midst of her despair, Nikki found hope on a family holiday, where she saw Kai’s smile return as he played with his cousins. It was a turning point; Nikki realized the importance of creating moments of joy for children like Kai, who had experienced profound loss.
With this newfound purpose, Nikki launched Scotty’s Little Soldiers in August 2010. What started as a small support network for ten children, including Kai and Brooke, quickly gained momentum. Through media appearances and public support, the charity was able to expand its reach, providing respite holidays, birthday gifts and opportunities for bereaved military children to connect with others facing similar challenges.
The Mission of Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Today, Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports hundreds of children across the UK, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to address their emotional, practical and educational needs. The charity is guided by four core programmes:
- Smiles Programme: Provides fun activities, special gifts and holidays at Scotty Lodges, giving children the chance to create happy memories and experience moments of joy, even during difficult times.
- Support Programme: Offers tailored emotional support, including access to professional bereavement counselling and family services, helping children process their grief and connect with others who understand their journey.
- Strides Programme: Focuses on educational and personal development, providing grants for extracurricular activities, music lessons, driving lessons and even tuition fees for higher education, ensuring each child has the opportunity to thrive.
- Springboard Programme: Assists young adults aged 18–25 as they transition into adulthood, offering guidance, mentorship and financial support for further education and career development.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers has grown far beyond Nikki’s original vision, now offering vital support to children who have lost a parent in the British Army, Royal Navy, or RAF, whether the death was due to combat, illness, accident, or suicide. The charity creates a sense of community and belonging, ensuring these young people know they are not alone.
The Legacy of Lee Scott
Nikki’s journey with Scotty’s Little Soldiers is one of resilience, driven by her determination to honour Lee’s memory and make a lasting difference in the lives of bereaved military children. In 2012, the charity received national recognition when Nikki was awarded The Sun Military Award for support to the Armed Forces, a turning point that brought widespread awareness and support to their cause.
Today, Scotty’s Little Soldiers continues to make a profound impact, providing moments of joy, emotional support and opportunities for growth. Nikki’s story is a testament to the power of turning personal tragedy into a force for good and the charity’s work ensures that the children of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.
For more information or to get involved, visit scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk. Your support helps put smiles back on the faces of these incredible young people, honouring the legacy of their fallen parents and offering them a brighter future.
As well as highlighting a different charity in every issue, we are also including the report of an inspirational person, in our “Reach to Achieve” segment.
This edition features Nicolas Hamilton, a remarkable figure in motorsport and an inspiration to countless individuals, both on and off the racetrack. Nicolas’ story is one of relentless determination, having navigated the intense world of professional racing while overcoming the unique challenges posed by cerebral palsy.
Growing up with a passion for speed, Nicolas dreamed of becoming a racing driver, just like his half-brother, Lewis Hamilton. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, he refused to let it limit his ambitions. With an unyielding commitment to his goals, Nicolas joined the British Touring Car Championship, making history as the first disabled driver to compete in the series. His journey was not without obstacles; countless hours of physical therapy, specialised training and custom equipment helped him achieve the independence required to race at the highest levels.
Beyond his achievements on the track, Nicolas dedicates his time to raising awareness and advocating for people with disabilities. He actively speaks to young people, encouraging them to redefine their limitations and pursue their dreams. His story resonates deeply with the ethos of ‘Reach to Achieve’—pushing boundaries, embracing self-belief and proving that resilience can propel us forward.
Nicolas Hamilton’s journey is a powerful reminder that, with courage and perseverance, we can all achieve greatness, regardless of the challenges we may face. His advocacy inspires a new generation, especially within the disabled community, to envision possibilities beyond societal expectations.
Takeaway Message: Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Nicolas’ message of perseverance and hope encourages us all to think bigger, try harder and reach beyond limitations.
