With COVID-19 and stories of furloughs and funding voids at every turn, it can be hard to stay positive. Indeed, as another week of lockdown ends, the silver-linings might seem hard to find. But they ARE there, and we want to use this post to remind you of the positive practices that could – and already are – emerging from this global pandemic. Yes, we live in challenging times. But the sector is strong, and we will get through this. Who knows? We might even be better for it.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
Whether you’ve got a brand new website or are working with a platform that’s been around for ages, now more than ever, you need to make sure that your copy counts. If Forbes is right, you have just seven seconds to make a good impression. That means your words have got to work really hard. But where to begin?
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
As the world locks down to combat COVID-19, more and more charities are looking for digital alternatives to community events. A few weeks ago, we touched on some of the more popular ways charities are using to do this. This week we’re delving deeper into the world of digital fundraising and have uncovered some weirdly wonderful virtual events charities are trialing. And why not? Never has the license to take a risk and try something different been more valid!
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
In times of crisis, it can be tempting to go out and stockpile a load of toilet paper. Or hand sanitiser. And when you’re stuck inside, it can be easy to over-expose yourself to this type of news. To wonder at what has become of humanity. But when you pan the dirt you also find diamonds - lots of diamonds!
As the UK reels in its response to COVID-19, more of these shining stories are starting to emerge. Charities across the country are doing everything they can to keep their services running and cushion the blow for their users. From small acts of kindness to large programmatic undertakings, it’s impossible to cover them all, but we wanted to use this entry to shine a light on some of those that caught our eye.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
For those of us who didn’t believe ourselves to be creatively inclined, or a real ideas generator, the last couple of weeks have probably been quite the challenge. With the world of work turned upside down as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, organisations worldwide have had to think creatively about how to maintain their revenue streams at a time of great challenge.
It’s a time where the risk takers among us, those with no self-limiting beliefs, will revel in producing a stream of ideas and solutions ready to combat all challenges in front of them.
With creative confidence now more important than ever, The Access Group, in partnership with We are Radikl, are presenting a series of 4 webinars exploring the concept of Creative Confidence, how to fuel expansive thinking, taking ideas to action and re-framing self-limiting beliefs.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
Is it just me, or is it getting noisy out there? In the midst of a global pandemic the likes of which have never been seen before, the world has gone virtual. Remote working is now the norm, and if you didn’t have a digital strategy before – you do now. Everywhere you look, people are talking about COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean your mission should stop. The stakes are high, and your words matter now more than ever before. So here are our five top tips to help you write copy that counts.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
Everyone is a writer. I’m not talking Shakespeare or Dickens, but no matter what job you do, we all write hundreds, if not thousands, of words every day. You probably don’t even think about it. But take some time to add it up. How many times are you putting pen to paper every day? It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a thank you to a donor, grant application or website content – every word counts. Perhaps even more so than you might think.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
With the recent introduction of restrictions on social contact and the expected ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s going to be increasingly important for charities to find ways to engage with their supporters and to continue to raise funds while keeping in line with government guidelines.
Digital and virtual fundraising events have been becoming more prevalent in the charity sector in recent years. In a busy world, they are a flexible and convenient way for people to get involved with charities, as well as encouraging a broader sense of community in a world that we hear is increasingly disconnected.
On top of this, they are a cost-effective way for charities to encourage fundraising and engage with their supporters without the traditional restraints or costs of organising and facilitating in-person events.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
Hands up if your charity has a Facebook account? Donate button? Messenger? I thought so. Since hitting the UK in 2005, thousands of organisations have set up a Facebook charity page – sharing stories, events, campaigns and fundraisers across this pioneering platform. The opportunity is immense, and with 1.3 billion people using Facebook Messenger every month, ‘chatbots’ are just one of the latest technologies to sweep the market. Could this be the key to Facebook charity donations?
Very possibly. Let me tell you why.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
The Access Group are delighted to announce our shortlisting for a Better Society award. The Better Society awards aim to celebrate the effort that commercial organisations make to create a better, more equal, ethical and sustainable world for all.
The Access Group have been shortlisted in the 'Best scheme to encourage staff fundraising' category, for our continued efforts to support our 'Charity of the Year'. Last year we raised £281,488 for our chosen charity DEBRA, and this year fundraising efforts have begun in earnest to support The National Deaf Children's Society.
- Topic:
- Not For Profit
