As spring unfolds, bringing renewal and fresh opportunities, we’re reminded of the resilience and creativity of the non-profit sector. In this issue, we explore how charities can harness cutting-edge digital strategies like Facebook geofencing to make a hyper-local impact, introduce a fantastic funding opportunity through The Childhood Trust and shine a light on Allia’s incredible work empowering impact-driven ventures. Plus, in our Reach to Achieve feature, be inspired by the remarkable journey of Jamie McAnsh, who turned adversity into achievement.
Whether you’re looking to refine your outreach, secure vital funding or draw inspiration from those making a difference, Charity Buzz is here to support and celebrate your efforts.
News Bytes
Check out this edition’s News Bytes blog post by clicking on the below link:
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 Childhood Trust, a charity dedicated to alleviating child poverty in London, supporting vulnerable children who face challenges such as hunger, homelessness and mental health issues.
By partnering with grassroots charities and community projects, The Childhood Trust provides targeted funding to address critical needs, ensuring children receive essential support, from food and clothing to educational resources and mentoring programs. Their goal is to break the cycle of poverty, helping children to thrive despite their circumstances.
Since its inception, The Childhood Trust has awarded over 1,000 grants totaling more than £9.4 million to 351 organizations. Grant amounts vary significantly, with the largest being £200,000 and the smallest as modest as £3, enabling charities of all sizes to benefit. They focus on four key areas: Physical Health, Mental Wellbeing, Home & Community Environment and Learning & Work Readiness, ensuring a comprehensive approach to supporting children in need.
The Childhood Trust maximizes donations through matched-funding campaigns, including the “Champions for Children” and “Christmas Challenge,” amplifying the impact of every contribution. Charities looking to apply for funding can find more information and application details on their website. This is an excellent opportunity for organizations seeking to make a tangible difference in the lives of London’s most disadvantaged children.
https://www.childhoodtrust.org.uk/apply-for-funding/
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. This month, we’re shining a light on Allia, an organisation dedicated to driving positive social and environmental change by supporting impact ventures at every stage of their journey. Since its inception, Allia has been a catalyst for change, empowering start-ups, charities and growing businesses to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.
Allia helps impactful organisations thrive by offering a unique blend of workspace solutions, business support and networking opportunities. Their Future Business Centres in Cambridge and Peterborough provide vibrant, flexible workspaces designed to nurture collaboration and innovation. These centres are more than just office spaces – they’re dynamic hubs that bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
To accelerate growth and maximise impact, Allia offers a variety of tailored programmes. The Serious Impact Programme supports early-stage start-ups with expert mentoring, strategic advice and access to funding networks, helping them scale sustainably. For ventures ready to expand further, the Impact Accelerator programme offers guidance on reaching new markets and amplifying their influence. Meanwhile, the Innovation Lab provides an inspiring space where social innovators can collaborate, experiment and develop solutions for complex social and environmental issues.
In addition to their hands-on support, Allia is a pioneer in social finance, using innovative funding models like Social Impact Bonds. These bonds bring together public, private and third-sector organisations to fund social projects, with returns linked to positive social outcomes. This unique approach enables Allia to drive systemic change and deliver long-term benefits to communities.
Allia’s influence extends beyond providing workspace and support. They actively contribute to regional economic growth by nurturing talent, creating job opportunities and fostering a community that thrives on collaboration and shared purpose. Their commitment to empowering organisations that create positive change is truly inspiring.
At Optimyzd, we admire Allia’s dedication to making a difference. Their holistic approach to supporting impactful organisations and their passion for fostering innovation align perfectly with our values. We’re proud to showcase their work and help spread the word about the incredible impact they’re making.
To learn more about Allia and how they’re shaping the future of social and environmental change, visit their website: www.allia.org.uk
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 Jamie McAnsh, whose incredible journey of resilience and determination proves that even the greatest challenges can be overcome with the right mindset.
Jamie McAnsh – Turning Adversity Into Achievement
Imagine waking up one morning, ready to take on the day, only to find you’ve lost the use of your legs. That’s exactly what happened to Jamie McAnsh in January 2014. Diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Jamie’s world was turned upside down. In an instant, he went from being an active, independent individual to facing the stark reality of life in a wheelchair. It was a devastating blow, one that could easily have shattered his spirit. But Jamie is not one to back down from a challenge.
In the early days of his diagnosis, Jamie struggled with the emotional and physical impact of his condition. CRPS is known as one of the most painful conditions in the world, often described as a constant burning sensation that doesn’t go away. On top of the pain, he had to come to terms with losing his mobility. Yet, in the face of these seemingly insurmountable challenges, Jamie made a choice that would define his journey – he chose to adapt and overcome.
Rather than letting his circumstances dictate his life, Jamie embraced his new reality and began searching for ways to rebuild his confidence and purpose. He decided that his wheelchair would not be a symbol of limitation, but a tool for achievement. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Jamie threw himself into the world of adaptive sports. Determined to push his physical and mental boundaries, he tried his hand at wheelchair rugby, archery and even climbing. It wasn’t long before he began to make a name for himself as a para-athlete, competing at high levels and earning respect for his tenacity and skill. His resilience and drive were not just about personal accomplishment; they were about inspiring others to see possibilities where they saw limitations.
One of Jamie’s most remarkable achievements came when he decided to climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. This was no ordinary climb. With no use of his legs, Jamie completed the ascent using only his hands, dragging himself up the rugged terrain. It was an extraordinary feat of strength and determination, proving that the human spirit is capable of overcoming the most daunting physical challenges.
The climb wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was about breaking down barriers – both physical and mental. It symbolised his refusal to be defined by his disability, his defiance in the face of adversity and his unyielding belief that anything is possible with the right mindset. The achievement earned him widespread admiration and recognition, including being named the ‘Sporting Champion’ at the 2015 Wales Care Awards.
Jamie’s journey didn’t stop there. He channelled his experiences into motivational speaking, sharing his story to inspire others facing their own battles. Through his talks, he encourages people to embrace change, find strength in adversity and push beyond their perceived limits. His message is clear: “You can’t always control your circumstances, but you can control how you react to them.”
Beyond his sporting achievements and speaking engagements, Jamie is also an advocate for disability awareness and inclusivity. He works tirelessly to break down stigmas and challenge societal perceptions of disability, showing that a wheelchair is not a limitation but a vehicle for living life to the fullest.
Jamie’s story is one of courage, resilience and the power of choice. He could have let his condition define him, but he chose to define himself. He could have given up, but he chose to fight back. In doing so, he has not only transformed his own life but has inspired countless others to believe in their own strength and potential.
His journey is a powerful reminder that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. Jamie chose to respond with courage, with purpose and with an unbreakable will to succeed. And in doing so, he has shown us all what it truly means to Reach to Achieve.
(Photos: Jamie McAnsh)
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.
