Beacon Collaborative have published ‘Do Something New’, a guide that includes a set of questions that funders can ask themselves and the charities they are thinking of supporting. According to the collaborative, the toolkit will help philanthropists and funders frame decision-making and prioritisation.

Research by Pro Bono Economics suggests that small charities are at greater risk of closure in the next six months than larger charities and Beacon Collaborative are hoping that the guide will encourage asking tough questions to best support charities during a period where funders are giving more, and in new ways. Do Something New includes 30 questions to ask when speaking to charities, in order to help them ‘survive, adapt and thrive’.

Cath Dovey, co-founder of the Beacon Collaborative said, ‘We already know that society will change radically as a result of the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic is having an impact socially, economically, and politically that is unlikely to be reversed. This is happening locally, nationally, and internationally. Just as other sectors of the economy are being re-shaped, the charity sector will also emerge from the crisis differently.’

The guide explains, ‘Philanthropic capital can make a difference to the continued delivery of services and support to those who need it most in the relief and recovery phases of COVID-19 response.

‘For experienced funders, the increase in need accelerated by COVID-19 requires a new way of thinking, to identify and prioritise organisations that are delivering critical services’.

‘Meanwhile, new funders – those joining the effort by supporting charitable organisations for the first time – are potentially giving at a time when the charity sector is at its most fragile’.

Matthew Bowcock, Chair and co-founder of the Beacon Collaborative said, ‘Philanthropy is an important complement to private and public funds for the charity sector. This crisis has shown us that there is an unprecedented willingness to give, but donors need to know that their funds will do the most good for the most people. Now is the time to take calculated risk, as we support these most vital institutions through the next phase.’

Download and read ‘Do Something New’ here.