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The Aviva Community Fund rewards charities developing new approaches whilst building capability in digital fundraising. Here’s how to get involved
The last few months have been disruptive for the entire UK charity sector. But it is smaller charities who are bearing the brunt of new fundraising and operational challenges. These charities are the backbone of the sector and need vital support in order to be able to offer their services when they are needed most.
The Aviva Community Fund exists to deliver this support. It is their mission to help small UK charities face the future with confidence.
The Fund offers year-round help to causes having a positive impact across the UK. They have partnered with Crowdfunder UK to assist charities with online fundraising and unlock donations from both Aviva and the wider public.
Over the years, we’ve found that the charities that make the biggest impact are those given the opportunity to innovate and test new ideas without fear of risk. The effects of COVID-19 on the sector mean that it is more important than ever for charities to adapt quickly and find new approaches.
As experts in risk management, Aviva want to allow these forward-thinking charities the freedom to embrace different ways of doing things. To experiment, to expand and to explore new avenues.
Applications for this round of the Aviva Community Fund are now open until 23:59 Tuesday 13th October. You can find out all you need to know about the programme and whether your idea is eligible here.
Aviva are passionate about enabling causes to access the funding they need now, as well as support them to build new digital skills to help face the future with confidence.
Since January, over 1,000 inspiring causes have applied to the Aviva Community Fund, and over 700 forward-thinking projects hit their fundraising target. In total, over £1.5 million has been given to small local community initiatives up and down the country.
Here’s how a few of the inspiring causes have found the programme:
‘’I wanted to thank you and your team for all your help during our fundraiser. It has been such a positive, supportive experience for our first Crowdfunder. Your website is amazingly user-friendly, and the Aviva consultants are so quick to answer emails and very helpful. We felt very looked after and employees were very generous. I just wanted to pass on this positive feedback for such a great experience. Thank you for all your help and for giving us this opportunity.’’
- Lifting Lockdown Loneliness for Lewisham’s Elderly
‘’A big thank you to Lucy, Caroline and the rest of the Aviva Community Fund team, who have been hugely helpful to us throughout this process. As a small charity, the amount we have raised will make a big difference to us 😊’’
- Keeping Connected Under Lockdown
‘’The support has given us the belief that we are delivering a valuable service and the growing number of supporters from not only Aviva but locally in our area through the campaign has given us great confidence to continue delivering our services.’’
- Moving Minds for Dementia sufferers in care homes
’’Crowdfunding is a new thing for churches and other churches are now keen to learn about our experiences. It has given us the confidence to try crowdfunding again.’’
- Wanstead Winter Night Shelter
The next round of applications for the Aviva Community Fund is open now until 23:59 Tuesday 13th October. Check if your idea is eligible and if so, apply today.
The Aviva Community Fund: giving small charities the tools they need to make a difference today to build a better tomorrow.
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