As we step into February, we’re inspired by the resilience and innovation of charities striving to make a difference. In this issue, we’ve curated fresh funding opportunities, our regular Reach to Achieve inspiring story and a spotlight on a charity deserving of greater exposure. Don’t miss our engaging News Bytes feature, Finding Your Purpose and Making a Difference: Jobs in the Charity Sector.
Whether you’re planning your next big initiative, seeking new grants, or exploring ways to enhance your digital reach, Charity Buzz is here to support your goals.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, impact and success!
Stay inspired!
News Bytes
Check out this edition’s News Bytes blog post by clicking on the below link:
Finding Your Purpose and Making a Difference: Jobs in the Charity Sector
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 National Lottery Community Fund, which uses money raised by National Lottery players to support projects that make a meaningful difference in communities across the UK.
Their grants are designed to empower organisations of all sizes to address local challenges, improve well-being and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
The fund offers two main grant categories to suit different project needs. Grants under £20,000 are ideal for smaller, grassroots projects or short-term initiatives that bring immediate benefits to local areas. For larger-scale efforts, grants over £20,001 provide opportunities to tackle significant social challenges and create lasting, transformational change.
Applications are welcomed from a variety of organisations, including charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and community organisations. For those just starting out, the fund offers support to help with setting up governance structures, understanding eligibility requirements and developing project ideas that align with funding priorities.
Funding is provided for a wide range of initiatives, such as improving mental health, reducing social isolation, strengthening community connections and promoting equality and diversity. Projects should address issues that are important to the communities they serve and demonstrate a clear, lasting impact.
The National Lottery Community Fund provides detailed guidance to help applicants create strong proposals. Key considerations include showing how the project meets community needs, outlining its potential impact and ensuring costs are realistic and aligned with the fund’s guidelines. Comprehensive advice is also available on what the fund can and cannot cover, as well as tips for creating a successful application.
With its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, the National Lottery Community Fund is an invaluable resource for groups looking to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re launching a small initiative or expanding a significant program, their flexible funding options are designed to help organisations create a lasting difference in their communities.
Learn more, explore their resources and start your application here: http://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
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. In this issue, we are proud to highlight the Hypermobility Syndromes Association (HMSA), a charity founded in 1992 by individuals living with what was then known as hypermobility syndrome or joint hypermobility syndrome. Supported by renowned medical professionals and run by passionate volunteers, HMSA quickly grew from offering a helpline and membership scheme to becoming a vital source of support for those affected by hypermobility and related conditions.
The charity’s evolution is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers, whose drive and commitment to raising awareness and offering practical assistance enabled HMSA to expand its services rapidly. In 2008, HMSA adopted a positive self-management model as the cornerstone of its work, collaborating more closely with the few UK services available to meet the needs of those with hypermobility syndromes. This helped to identify gaps in service provision and improve educational offerings for both patients and healthcare professionals.
In 2012, the charity made a significant step forward by extending its support to individuals living with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Marfan syndrome, and Osteogenesis Imperfecta. This expansion allowed HMSA to provide a comprehensive ‘living with the diagnosis’ focus, offering guidance on managing hypermobility, pain, and fatigue once diagnosed. The charity also developed self-management programmes for children and parents, alongside educational sessions aimed at healthcare and social care professionals, including teachers, SENCOs, and local authority employees. These efforts have evolved into the HMSA Kent Model, which has proven successful in improving understanding and care for the hypermobile community.
Much of HMSA’s work continues to be carried out by volunteers who live with one or more of the conditions they serve, allowing them to provide deeply empathetic and relevant support. The charity’s focus remains on enabling individuals to ‘live well with a hypermobility syndrome’, offering the tools and information necessary for self-management. With two part-time staff members supporting the charity’s work, HMSA continues to operate in line with its self-management model, collaborating with umbrella organizations both nationally and internationally to advocate for better service provision and policy development.
The HMSA’s reputation extends beyond the UK, where it works alongside similar global organizations to improve services, share knowledge, and support both patients and professionals. Their continued commitment to raising awareness and providing educational resources has established the HMSA as a trusted hub of information on hypermobility-related disorders.
We are proud to celebrate the important work of the Hypermobility Syndromes Association and encourage everyone to learn more and support this vital organization.
To find out more, visit: www.hypermobility.org
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 Oliver Barlow, a young lad who really pushed himself over the course of 2024 to raise funds for The Lewy Body Society, whilst at the same time raising awareness for this fantastic charity.
At just 11 years old, Ollie Barlow from Pitton has shown the true spirit of perseverance and kindness, completing a remarkable 500km challenge in 2024 to raise awareness and funds for the Lewy Body Society. Inspired by his grandad, Nick Ludlow, who lives with the condition, Ollie’s journey combined walking, running and cycling—all while juggling school, football and rugby.
A Mission of Love
Ollie set out at the beginning of 2024 with an ambitious goal: to cover 500km and raise £500 for the Lewy Body Society. By the time he completed his final steps on December 31, accompanied by his grandad, Ollie had far exceeded his target, raising an impressive £1,335.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ollie shared, “I am very happy that I managed to complete the 500km and raise so much money. The winter months were the toughest, especially running in the dark before or after school, but knowing I was doing it for my grandad kept me going.”
The Power of Family Support
Throughout his journey, Ollie had the unwavering support of his parents, Laura and Dave Barlow, who marveled at his self-motivation. Laura said, “We are hugely proud of him for driving this challenge himself. It’s been incredible to watch him put on his wellies in the cold and dark, determined to keep going. It’s been good for him physically and mentally, and it’s heartwarming to see him take action for his grandad.”
Raising Awareness for Lewy Body Dementia
The Lewy Body Society, founded in 2006, supports research into this incurable disease and works to raise awareness among the public and medical professionals. For Ollie and his family, the mission is personal. Laura added, “Lewy body dementia is a cruel disease with limited research and awareness. We want to see more support for people with this condition and their families.”
Ollie’s story is a shining example of how small steps—taken consistently with purpose—can make a big difference. His efforts have not only raised vital funds, which now exceed £1700, but also shone a light on the challenges faced by those living with Lewy body dementia.
You can still support Ollie’s journey and the Lewy Body Society by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ollie-barlow-1704575507312
(Photos: Dave Barlow)
Do you know someone going above and beyond for a cause close to their heart? Let us know! They could be featured in our next Reach to Achieve segment.
