‘We may be small, but we have a mighty impact. We don’t grab the headlines, but that doesn’t bother us. We’re on the frontlines helping to empower people all over the world to fight back against coronavirus and against poverty.’ Small International Development Charities Network.
The Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN), representing over 10,000 UK charities are calling on the UK Government to reallocate a small part of the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) budget to enable these charities to continue their vital work and the global fight against coronavirus and poverty. Open Arms Malawi is proud to support this work and amplify the voices of fellow small charities.
Surveys from the SIDCN show that 89% of these charities are on the frontline responding to COVID-19 in the communities that they work in. They have pivoted services overnight and are finding new and innovative ways to support the most vulnerable communities in the world through this crisis.
The impact of Covid 19
COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on the sector, which is seeing a 27% increase in demand and a 33% loss in income due to funds being paused or refocused. Small international development charities have shown great resilience over the last months’ despite only 4% of charities surveyed being eligible for any Government support.
With reports that the Government is now considering not meeting the UK’s statutory commitment on overseas aid through a further reduction, the Small But Mighty campaign is even more vital.
Coming together to raise our voices
The call for support is backed by a range of sector bodies including NCVO, ACEVO, Charities Aid Foundation, Charity Finance Group, The Foundation for Social Improvement, Hub Cymru Africa, Small Charities Coalition and Wales Council for Voluntary Action. Many small international development charities have been supporting the campaign by sharing their stories and working together to show to vital impact the sector has.
In her recent letter to Dominic Rabb, Sarah Champion MP wrote ‘Small International Development Charities deliver outstanding value for money. Their tireless work has already saved many lives, and improved countless more. Collectively they provide thousands of jobs and volunteer opportunities in the UK, and support tens of thousands of beneficiaries, employees, partners overseas. They build and sustain unique interpersonal and community links across the world, at a time when they have never been more needed.’
Open Arms Malawi are delighted to be involved in this work and will continue to support the sector through this difficult time. If you'd like to find out more about the campaign please visit www.smallbutmighty.co.uk
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