Government support package for frontline charities

The package consists of £360 million direct from the government, with a further £370 million available for small and medium-sized charities, including through the National Lottery Community Fund in England.

These measures are designed to provide direct cash grants to charities such as hospices, those supporting domestic abuse victims, as well as smaller community charities providing vital services such as food and medicine deliveries during the outbreak.

In addition, the government is matching all public donations to the BBC’s Big Night In, with a minimum of £20 million to be awarded to the National Emergencies Trust.

The full announcement can be read here.

Whilst this funding is a valuable support, many charities will still have lost significant income under the current circumstances and so it is more important than ever to maximise the reliefs available from gift aid, VAT, business rates and other taxes. The government has already announced some helpful tax measures for the charity sector, including potential 100% business rates relief for charity shops, museums, galleries, theatres and certain community facilities plus allowing gift aid on cancelled events.

In addition to government support, there are other forms of COVID-19 emergency support available to charities from grant-makers and social investors. A list of some of these can be found here.

If you would like advice on the support available for your charity or not-for-profit, or would like to discuss how we can help you manage the impact of COVID-19, please fill out the form below to speak to a member of our expert charity team, alternatively please call or email your usual Buzzacott contact.