By Alex Klaushofer
Ministers have launched a fund to help charities develop their campaigning abilities, it has emerged.
Ministers have launched a fund to help charities develop their campaigning abilities, it has emerged.The £750,000 fund, which will be run by the non-departmental public body Capacitybuilders, is to help small organisations develop ‘innovative ways’ of speaking up for disadvantaged people.
‘Our charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises have never had a stronger voice — and we want them to speak up even more,’ said Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne. ‘This programme will help charities working with some of the most vulnerable people in society to make their voice heard.’
He added: ‘In times of rapid economic change, government needs to hear from organisations who are working hard to bring about positive changes in our communities.’
But the move might generate criticism that it encourages charities to go beyond their legitimate brief by straying into political activity.
Guidance by the Charity Commission stipulates that charities can only undertake political campaigning that supports their charitable purposes.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has welcomed the move. ‘We are delighted the government has announced a £750,000 package to help smaller voluntary and community organisations campaign,’ said Liz Atkins, NCVO’s director of public policy.
‘Charities play an important role in giving a voice to the voiceless. We believe it is a charity’s duty to look at what will make the biggest difference to those they work with, whether this is providing services or campaigning to effect social change to make people’s lives better.’
She added: ‘Politicians from across the political spectrum recognise the value of charity campaigns. Without charity campaigns we would not have the Disability Discrimination Act or the Climate Change Act.’
The two-year programme is expected to provide grants and services to up to 30 groups.
