A letter signed by 1,000 charities has today been delivered to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, demanding a meeting and warning that a “national asset” could be lost without more support.
One charity chief executive described running their organisation as “relentlessly pushing boulders up a mountain”.
The letter, which urges Sunak to meet with the Small Charities Advisory Board, says that “every day” small charities are closing, while staff are “exhausted, burnt out”.
Small charities comprise 96 per cent of the UK’s voluntary organisations but do not have the capacity to easily absorb rising costs, which larger organisations may be better able to manage.
The letter, sent during Small Charities Week, says: “If small charities aren’t supported through these difficult times, we risk losing a crucial national asset.”
SCAB co-chair Ray Coyle said: “We have called on the Prime Minister to meet with us, better understand our challenges and work with us to find sustainable solutions.
“Small charities need to be seen as integral for building strong communities. We offer vital services and also fill gaps in public services so communities are kept safe, healthy and can thrive.
“We cannot be taken for granted and the current situation is not sustainable.”
He added: “For every charity that closes, that’s a lifeline for a community taken away. So we call on the Prime Minister, during Small Charity Week this year, to properly recognise and understand the importance of small charities.”
Sarah Vibert, chief executive of NCVO – the membership body for charities and volunteers in England – said: “The recent crises faced by this country have shown just how important small charities are and the amazing services they provide in local areas.
“We need to rally behind small charities and give them the support they have so willingly shown us.”
Emma Cantrell MBE, chief executive and founder of First Days Children’s Charity, said: “We help families who are struggling financially. But we’re running out of time waiting for support or funding from oversubscribed grants.
“I’m terrified that our work is going to have to stop at a time when it’s needed most.
“I feel I’m constantly and relentlessly pushing boulders up a mountain and it takes its toll on even the strongest of people.”