Why charity partnerships will be the key to a merry festive season this year

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This year has been tougher than most, with charities small and large facing the double whammy of COVID-19 restrictions and a scarcity of funding.

 

But charities don’t have to go through it alone. Partnerships with other organisations can provide vital support, increase fundraising opportunities and boost resilience.

 

This December, charity partnerships will be the key to having a merry festive season.

 

 

Partners come in all shapes and sizes

Not all charity partnerships are the same. Charities work with all sorts of organisations, including other charities and businesses.

 

Charity-charity partnerships are particularly successful in event fundraising and networking. In these instances, charities work together to fundraise across a particular event. By cooperating, charities can channel their collective audiences towards a single cause.

 

Networking arrangements between charities can allow organisations to share knowledge through networking events, peer-to-peer training, and information sessions. The Small Charities Coalition, is a good example of a charity networking arrangement.

 

Traditional corporate partnerships are also highly sought after. They provide regular fundraising income and can be a great source of skilled volunteers.

 

 

Seeking a partner for fundraising, maybe more…

Advent of Change is a cool, quirky example of how charities can fundraise together in an innovative way. The annual World Changer Calendar features 12 charities, one for each month of the year. The calendar is sold online, with the proceeds going towards the 12 charities. The collaboration offers gift-givers the opportunity to donate across a range of causes, rather than having to choose causes to support. For charities, it’s an opportunity to be front and centre for an entire month. It’s a double win from a fundraising and awareness perspective.

 

Charities working together can also increase fundraising and visibility. The NHS Charities Together is a membership organisation. There are more than 240 members working across healthcare. Members include regional ambulance services, cancer charities, charitable trusts, and hospital charities.

 

The fundraising engine of the NHS Charities Together is extraordinary. Since the pandemic, fundraising has reached over £130 million over the summer. Over the festive period, the organisation could potentially reach similar fundraising targets.

 

The advantages of this charity-charity partnership go beyond fundraising. Before the COVID-19 epidemic, the collaboration focused on representation and information sharing. By banding together, the health charities increase their visibility. The association also hosts regular fundraising, governance, and operational sessions for members.