The pandemic has had a huge knock-on effect on charity events. From fundraising to awareness raising, events are vital for not-for-profit organisations. Many charities rely on event fundraising to grow their income, so not being able to hold physical
gatherings has been a real blow for the sector.
For the past 18 months, charities have turned their hands to virtual events to increase fundraising income. They’ve shown great skill and ability to run these well.
Now that life in the UK has returned to an “improved normal”, how will event teams run events next year and beyond? Will they stick with virtual, move back to physical, or combine the best of both worlds?
The hybrid model
There are lot of benefits to hosting events online, including being able to reach broader audiences and cost savings. For example, when you run events virtually, you save on things like venue fees, photography, and merchandise.
On the flip side, we know there are lots of benefits to holding physical events. One of the biggest advantages is they give delegates the chance to network with others and feel a part of something. This social element is harder to achieve virtually.
So, is it possible to merge the two? Hybrid events – combining virtual and live elements – can bring together the benefits of both types of events.
YourStory says hybrid events combine a small group of people at one location with lots of others joining in remotely. It says: “Hybrid events are made for the COVID-19 era. They bring together the charm of physical presence as well as the convenience of remote participation.”
Hybrid events also give people choice about whether to attend virtually or in person. This is particularly helpful for people who may have health concerns and don’t yet feel comfortable returning to physical events.
Making physical events safe
It’s important charities think about how they can host physical events safely. Delegates will want to know there are protocols in place to keep everyone safe. This includes everything from providing hand sanitiser at registration desks to reducing occupancy numbers in venues.
Open Audience says there are lots of health and safety protocols and different groups of people to consider. It says: “There is the audience, the speakers and the technology crew. For example, in physical meetings the AV team normally stand by to attach the mic to the speaker. Does the tech person leave the mic on the table, and explain how to attach and use the mic?”
Using advanced technology
Event venues will need to be more tech savvy. EventsCase says that having a larger online audience means you need the latest technology in networking, cyber-security, online conferencing, audio components, and cloud-based technology.
You need to think carefully about how you engage your physical and online audiences. It’s important that virtual audiences can interact in the same way as those attending in-person.
Hybrid events will also need online audiences to be able to interact with live audiences. You could use mobile apps to connect the two groups and help people network, or live polling and Q&As with audiences able to submit questions.
Managing content for a virtual audience
An article in Forbes, which featured interviews with events professionals, says when running hybrid events, you need to think about the content you share with your virtual audience.
Events specialist Dahlia El Gazzar says: “Hybrid doesn’t mean you only broadcast the face-to-face content, because often that content doesn’t translate well to the online audience. You need to consider their online experience and have exclusive content for the online audience.”
Plan your events
It’s important to plan a hybrid event carefully. As part of your planning, you need a strategy and goals. The goal for all hybrid events is to engage as many attendees as possible, no matter how they are taking part.
You should also think about your event programme as it will need more consideration as you balance the needs of two audiences. Marketing is also important so think about creating a website for your event or adding dedicated event pages to your existing website. You also need to send out emails to potential delegates.
Video: Five (more) digital fundraising platforms your charity should know about
20 OCT 2021BY IOAN MARC JONES
Our latest video examines another five of the best online fundraising platforms and looks at some alternative options that might best suit your charity
Fundraising platforms have become increasingly important for charities. They help provide an easy and efficient method for payment, allow charities to raise funds without too much fuss, and broadly streamline processes.
Lots of new fundraising platforms offer functionalities that are often missed. We want to emphasise some of the alternatives to the big players and look at platforms that use QR codes and contactless tech, small-scale functionality to ensure cost-efficiency, and much more.
Each fundraising platform is different. Some offer Gift Aid options, other do not. Some have processing fees, service fees, and other hidden costs. Some charge more, but justify the charge through innovative optimisation options. Some reduce everything to simplicity – and do not expect you to pay more through that simplicity.
Today’s video aims to help you decide. It looks at five fundraising platforms currently on the market, explores the functionalities and prices, and explains why such platforms may be right for your charity. In the video, we look at the following five platforms:
The video aims to give an overview of each platform, but we encourage charities to research further, judge each platform against your needs, and cast a broader net to see if other platforms are more suitable. There are so many options, as we discuss in our article on fundraising platforms.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put health and social care professionals under increasing pressure. This population is already acknowledged to be at risk of burnout. The Here For You team will be hosting an online webinar for staff members to discuss the concept of Burnout, how to recognise the symptoms, a space for reflection on what Burnout means to you. We will consider some coping strategies and also explore ways in which to identify when more help is needed and where to access this support.
The webinar will include a presentation on Burnout and some space for reflection This interactive webinar is suitable for all staff members who either have an interest in this topic or may be wondering how to support others who may be experiencing these difficulties.
To apply for this position please download and complete the three-part application form at the bottom of this page and send it to hr@mindinwestessex.org.uk by the closing date of Tuesday 23rd November 2021.
Deloitte is launching a new programme to help charities close the digital divide. ‘Deloitte Digital Connect’ will be delivered in collaboration with CAST, a charity helping organisations use digital for social good. The programme will bring together up to 50 charities, including Deloitte’s 5 Million Futures existing charity partners, and connect them with expertise, advice, and a network to support their digital development.
CAST helps people use digital for social good. Its mission is to create a more responsive, resilient and digitally-enabled social sector. CAST does this by supporting nonprofits to embed digital and design across their services, strategy and governance, and work with sector leaders, funders and Government to make this happen.
Action for Family Carers are seeking a Service Manager to lead the development and delivery of support services for Young Carers across Essex. If you have people and project management skills, combined with a commitment to helping vulnerable children and young people, please apply.
Reporting directly to the CEO your role will include managing a dedicated young carer support team, identifying needs and new opportunities and ensuring effective and efficient delivery. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your role within a charity which benefits from great support from the local community in Essex and which achieves a positive impact for local families.
Action for Family Carers is a thriving charity which for over 30 years has been providing support for adult carers and young carers – people with unpaid, caring responsibilities for others. We are a Carers Trust Network Partner and Trusted Charity. We provide information, befriending, counselling, wellbeing activities, young carer clubs, Activity Groups and Day Care across Essex, working within schools, with GP practices and in a variety of community settings.
Young Carers Service Manager
£26,131 pro rata
Part-time – up to 28 hours per week (negotiable)
Based in one of our offices in Maldon, Harlow or Colchester
Would you like to understand more about County Lines in Essex?
County Lines in Essex – Free Parent Webinar by Pace (Parents Against Child Exploitation)
The aim of these sessions is to provide an opportunity for parents to understand the signs of exploitation and increase their confidence and knowledge to respond safely and effectively.
The objectives :
Understand what child exploitation is
Understand what county lines are
Understand the signs of child exploitation
Learn how children are groomed online
Understand the behaviours of exploited
Learn how to approach a potentially exploited child
Learn where to get support and further information
Audience
The target audience will be those parents that have little or no understanding of what exploitation looks like and will be accessible to all parents, whether or not their child has been involved with any agency or law enforcement .
Session Content
Each pilot area will run 2 sessions to the same audience and build on the 1st session.
The percentage of people donating has fallen slightly in the last three months but willingness to participate in fundraising events has risen across the board, with more than half of people believing it is time for the UK to move on from the pandemic, according to research from Enthuse.
While more than two thirds (69%) of people say they are worried about the long-term effects of the pandemic on life in the UK, according to the research, 56% state that they believe it is time for the UK to move on.
41% of those people surveyed identify as ‘worried and ready’, meaning they are both concerned about the long term effects of Covid, but also feel it is time for the UK to move on. An additional 28% of people are worried and not yet ready for life to return to normal. This leaves 31% of people relaxed and not worried about the impact of Covid on the UK in the short or long term.
The latest edition of Enthuse’s quarterly Donor Pulse report, which surveys 2,022 members of the UK public, explores the impact these differing Covid mindsets will have on charity fundraising and events, as well as changing habits and attitudes to charities, fundraising and donating over the last three months.
Feelings on fundraising
36% of people are likely to take part in a charity event in the next six months – this is a rise of 7% from February.
There have been increases in willingness to participate in fundraising events across the board – but most marked is the 18-24 age group rising by 14% (from 43% to 57%) and the 65-80 age group doubling (from 9% to 18%).
36% of the public also say they would be more willing to take part in a mass participation activity if there was a virtual option.
Giving stats
For the first time during the pandemic, the percentage of people donating has fallen in the last three months, from 69% to 66%.
While there has been a slight rise in the percentage of over 40s donating from 62% to 64%, the under 40s dropped from 81% to 70%.
However, the proportion of people donating to multiple charities has mostly held up, with 45% of the public giving to two or more charities in the last three months – down 1% over the last quarter.
The people who support the widest range of charities remain Gen Z, with nearly two fifths (38%) giving to three or more causes in the last three months – by comparison only a fifth of Baby Boomers gave to the same number of charities.
41% said they had seen a news story on TV in the last three months that made them want to support a cause, compared to 39% who saw an online news story that provoked the same reaction.
32% said they had gone on to donate after seeing a cause featured on social media.
Direct donors
49% of under 40s would prefer to donate online, and 27% would prefer to use cash.
In total, 39% of the public has donated online in the past three months.
67% of online donors prefer to give directly to the charity. The average digital donation comes in at £34 while those direct through the site average £40.
81% of donors remember the name of the charity when they donate through the organisation’s site compared to 60% when using a consumer giving platform.
Just 11% of the public have heard that Virgin Money Giving is closing, although 62% have heard of the platform.
Commenting on the research, Chester Mojay-Sinclare, Enthuse Founder and CEO, said:
“Value, preference and connection – three crucial ingredients for charities aiming to build long term relationships with their supporters. The data tells us that there’s a clear preference for donating directly through a charity’s website and that supporters give a greater amount this way. This shows that charities need to give careful consideration to developing the key digital channels they own, such as their website. Long term support is built with direct relationships with supporters, the best way to do that is enabling people to support them via their preferred method.”
Nearly all charities have experienced some negative impact from Covid-19, whether on their service delivery, finances, staff, or staff morale, according to research commissioned by the Charity Commission.
Yonder surveyed 1,966 charities online between 19 July and 2 August for the Charity Commission. The result, the Charity Commission Covid-19 Survey 2021, reveals that of the 91% affected by the pandemic, 60% saw a loss of income, and a third (32%) experienced a shortage of volunteers.
Nearly half (45%) said they took some action to adapt their services to restrictions caused by the pandemic. Some changed the way they delivered services, moving them online, refocusing on core projects, cutting staffing or spend on things like research. Around 40% say they dipped into their reserves. Smaller charities were especially likely to have taken drastic measures to remain afloat or in response to restrictions with one in four charities with incomes of less than £10k pausing their activities completely during the first lockdown.
Looking to the future, over half (62%) of those surveyed anticipate some level of threat to their charity’s financial viability in the next 12 months, although only 1% foresee that threat as being critical to their charity’s survival. From its own data the Commission however also warns that other threats may be on the horizon relating to governance and culture with it seeing an increase in disputes in charities and between trustees.
Covid impact
Covid-19 has predominantly impacted charities’ services and delivery (85%), alongside their financial position (72%) and staffing and governance (66%)
Work or events have been postponed and cancelled (57%) and many charities have lost income from fundraising (49%) or trading and other sources (35%)
Operationally, there is frustration caused by the uncertainty around when charities will be able to return to ‘normality’
60% have lost income from charitable activities
Access to volunteers has decreased for a third of charities
Few have encountered or suffered any significant impact from cyber harms
Adapting services
The most common action taken by charities is adapting their services in light of restrictions (45%), followed by using financial reserves (40%) and pausing operations temporarily (32%). A fifth have furloughed staff (18%)
Restrictions have resulted in less emphasis on in-person events and cash donations
Half of charities have made better use of digital technology
Future viability
A third (34%) expect to generate less revenue from fundraising and donations in 2022
Over half (62%) anticipate a threat to their charity’s financial viability in the next 12 months
However, a majority expect their charity to be in the same or better position overall
Accessing financial support
20% have accessed Local Authority funding, and 14% have used UK Government funding
Half (50%) would find more information on financial support helpful, and often suggest the Charity Commission could do more to help charities find/access it
With the colder weather setting in for the foreseeable future, the evenings getting dark before you finish work, and the constant threat of torrential rain and high winds; you should set a plan in place to prepare and protect your premises from the harshest weather.
The last thing you want in the midst of winter is to have to battle with the elements triaging an incident that could have been avoided! In this Ansvar blog we will be sharing our recommendations to get you started preparing your premises for the winter.
If there’s a storm coming
We highly recommend creating a ‘to-do’ list for when a storm is forecast. This way you can ensure nothing is forgotten and you can complete the tasks quickly and efficiently. You’ll know your premises best and will be able to identify any key danger zones, but some key elements to consider are:
You should secure loose objects in your grounds – such as ladders, furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing. Keep a running list of the items and location of all objects of this nature so you can refer back whenever you need it.
Each day, you should make sure all doors and windows are closed and securely fastened, particularly those on the windward or more exposed side of the building and especially large doors such as those on garages.
If you have a garage, you should park vehicles inside them whenever possible; and if you this is not available, be mindful of not parking in the way of buildings, trees, walls and fences if at all avoidable.
If your building is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then make sure these are closed and fastened whenever there is the threat of a storm, and close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, especially if your roof pitch is less than 30°.
For more information on how to prepare, what to do during, and following a storm, please view Ansvar’s storm safety advice.
Preparing for flash flooding
The annual cost of flood damage in the UK is estimated to be in excess of £1bn. Taking some simple steps to protect your premises is so important to minimise any potential damage.
First, you should complete a flood assessment of your site to determine the risk of flash flooding to your premises, and at the same time work out the risk of fluvial flooding (when water overflows watercourses such as rivers or streams), leading to the development of an overall Flood Plan.
You can input your postcode on the Environment Agency website to see which level of flash flooding risk they have identified for your area. We also recommend visiting the gov website for more guidance to support the completion of flood assessments and Flood Plans, including templates for capturing the relevant risk information.
As part of your regular safety checks, you should inspect your drains and drainage channels to make sure they are clear. You should do this every three months, especially at the end of autumn after the leaves have finished falling. Your guttering should be inspected at least once a year.
Depending on your risk, you may wish to hold flood resistance measures in your premises to prevent flood water entering your property, which may include: flood barriers, sand bags, airbrick covers, and non-return valves.
Flood defence products purchased for use as part of your Flood Plan must be regularly inspected and checked to ensure they remain fit for purpose and available when required.
We strongly recommend you seek professional advice about your specific premises to ensure you are adequately protected, but hopefully this article has given you food for thought, and an idea of where to start.
If you plan on making structural changes to your buildings to create additional protection against the elements, make sure you consult an architect, a suitably qualified consulting engineer and/or chartered surveyor before undertaking any work. Remember to view our risk guides linked in this article for further advice and information.
Sarah Cox is the Managing Director of charity and faith insurance specialist, Ansvar, the sponsors of this piece.
