But I wanted to start by explaining…

Why we’re asking the government for urgent financial help for charities

While in the chancellor’s announcement about salaries on Friday it was positive to hear him talk proactively about charities for the first time, and while his announcement will be very reassuring for many people, it won’t actually help many charities.

Some are making decisions about redundancies and closure right now.

 Supporting the national response and helping vulnerable people to cope are your first priority at the moment, but you cannot do that if you are on the brink of financial collapse.

The chancellor announced that he would pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic. This will apply to firms where bosses have already had to lay off workers and under the scheme, workers would take a leave of absence but still be paid.

This works for many businesses unable to operate during the coronavirus crisis but it doesn’t work if you’re a charity, your income has collapsed but you still need to keep your doors open and services running.

A pub or bar can their shut their doors, mothball the kegs and the govt will pay your wages. So it doesn’t matter if you have no bar takings. But many charities need to continue caring for those in need and delivering vital public services, they cannot shut their doors and lay off staff. Now more than ever they must support people in need.

 Help us make the case for financial help for charities by:

• Emailing us with details of your financial situation
• Sharing our tweet
• Sharing your charity’s story on social media using #EveryDayCounts
• Asking your local MP to support      

Our latest coronavirus guidance and analysis  

Volunteers responding to coronavirus 

Our volunteering development manager Shaun Delaney details the coordination efforts going on behind the scenes and explains the best ways to offer your support.

Coronavirus and charity funding: The latest developments

Our funding lead Paul Winyard has details of various initiatives to help voluntary organisations including the new National Emergencies Trust appeal and promises of support from 150 grantmakers. 

What’s in the emergency coronavirus bill?

Douglas Dowell from our policy team analyses the implications for charities of proposals including emergency volunteering leave, changes to social care standards and restrictions on gatherings.

 Free webinar, Wednesday 25 March,10.00: 

Coronavirus and your charity: Key legal issues to consider

 We’re joining legal experts Bates Wells who will be advising on:

• HR and employment law
• contracts, insurance and serious incident reporting
• governance and solvency considerations
• legal considerations when managing volunteers
• meetings and decision making.

 There will also be a Q&A session for any questions you have. Register now

 And here’s a reminder of our main coronavirus practical guidance page which we are updating frequently:

 Your organisation and coronavirus 

 I hope you find this information helpful and rest assured, we will continue to share new and updated guidance with you as the situation develops.

 Best wishes, 

 Karl Wilding Chief Executive  T: @karlwilding