The struggles of the most vulnerable
Low-income families, pensioners, and individuals with disabilities are among those hardest hit. Many face food insecurity, fuel poverty, and mounting debt. Food banks have reported record demand, with families unable to afford nutritious meals. Meanwhile, fuel poverty has forced households to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries. Debt levels have surged as people rely on credit to cover essential expenses, creating a cycle of financial instability.
Charities providing lifelines
Charities have become a crucial safety net, offering food parcels, financial aid, and housing support. Organisations such as The Trussell Trust and Crisis provide emergency assistance, ensuring families do not go hungry or homeless. Local charities also play a vital role, offering debt advice and financial counselling to help individuals regain stability.
Philanthropists and charitable trusts
Philanthropists have played a significant role in supporting charities through their charitable trusts. Many have provided funding to food banks, housing initiatives, and debt management programmes. Charitable trusts have helped sustain non-profit organisations facing financial strain due to increased demand for services. However, reports indicate that public sector funding cuts have placed immense pressure on charitable organisations, making philanthropic contributions more vital than ever.
The cost-of-living crisis is far from over, but charities and philanthropists remain a beacon of hope. Their efforts help bridge the gap for those struggling, ensuring that the UK’s most vulnerable receive the support they desperately need. Without urgent intervention, however, the burden on charities will only grow.
Our clients, through their charitable trusts, continue to contribute funding support to charities working with those who are most vulnerable and acutely experiencing the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. The following grants have recently been awarded:
Food Poverty
- Trussell Trust – ‘we provide emergency food and practical support to people in their hardest moments’ – £41,025
- Magic Breakfast – ‘offering breakfasts and expert advice to tackle morning hunger in schools across England and Scotland’ – £149,000
- Alexandra Rose – ‘Everyone should have access to healthy and affordable food. Through our Rose Vouchers for fruit and veg projects we give families access to fresh fruit and veg’ – £17,668
Fuel Poverty/Insecurity
- London Community Foundation – ‘We channel funds to local community organisations making a real difference in their communities’ – £12,725
- Quartet Community Foundation – ‘Supporting disadvantaged communities in the West of England’ – £12,725
Homelessness/Housing Need
- Crisis Venture Studio – ‘on a mission to accelerate the end of homelessness through entrepreneurship’ – £50,000
- Depaul UK – ‘We provide a safe place, a chance to thrive, and a brighter future for a young person experiencing homelessness’ – £30,000
- Help Bristol’s Homeless Charity – ‘We are a homeless charity with a difference. Providing people with the security and dignity that everyone deserves, we empower our residents with the confidence they need to take control of their lives, enabling them to move forward into independent living.’ – £21,710
Debt Management
- Debt Advice Foundation ‘A specialist debt charity offering free, confidential advice on any aspect of debt.’ £19,918
Tuesday 6th May 2025