The Chancellor's Charity Rescue Scheme

Although UK charities are entitled to access many of the existing support packages available for businesses – (such as the job retention scheme), the Chancellor recognised today that there are significant parts of the sector who have seen dramatic drops in their income yet need to continue operating to meet the increased demand for their services.

In response the Chancellor has offered £750m of additional funding to those charities who are operating at the front line. This includes £360m, that will be directly allocated by Government departments to charities providing key services (including Hospices and St John’s Ambulance) and £370m for small and medium sized charities, including those delivering food and essential medicines and providing financial advice. In England, this will be administered through a National Lottery Community Fund.

The Government has also offered to match all donations generated by the public at the upcoming BBC's Big Night In fundraising event on 23 April, pledging a minimum of £20m.

This is clearly great news for the sector – however with so many of the government’s interventions, timing will be key. It will be essential for funding to reach organisations quickly if they are to meet the enormous challenge they are facing. We will keep you updated of details of how to apply for this important funding as information becomes available.

Information correct at time of publishing.