The power of podcasting

Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying podcasts are a growing medium. Over 19.1 million Brits regularly listen to podcasts, and the number is on the rise.

Contrary to popular belief, podcasts aren’t just for celebrity gossip - they’re an untapped marketing and fundraising resource for charities.

Why podcast?

Besides raising awareness, building authority, sharing stories, and giving your brand a voice, podcasting is a low-cost and effective way to reach potential supporters and turn them into donors.

And they’re convenient, engaging, and incredibly accessible for people to listen to. It’s a win-win.

Who’s podcasting?

A growing number of charities are recognising the power of podcasts and incorporating them into their marketing & fundraising strategies.

Let’s look at a few examples.

British Red Cross

British Red Cross’s award-winning podcast, ‘More about the kind place’ gives a voice to the millions of people they support each year.  

It features powerful and moving conversations with beneficiaries, including refugees and asylum seekers, who tell their stories first-hand.

The podcast focuses on a range of topics from mental health to loneliness, grief, and masculinity.

On their website, British Red Cross explain the purpose of the podcast:

“It’s only through the power of personal experience that we can step into another’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. We hope that our podcasts build empathy and understanding for the people we support.”

Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK takes a different approach with their podcast, Cancer Research Matters.

The podcast features interviews with various researchers behind cancer research.

The aim is to break down complex medical topics and provoke conversation around cancer science, and how it shapes our understanding of the disease.

The first series celebrates the 20th anniversary of Cancer Research UK, by focusing on the various discoveries and breakthroughs made in cancer research over the past two decades.

The Fire Fighters Charity

Shout! explores the health and wellbeing of the UK’s fire services community.

It offers a unique insight into the physical, mental, and social challenges facing those who work on the front line, and their family and partners.

The charity’s clinical team offers tips and advice on a variety of health-related topics, from dealing with trauma to nutrition, exercise, and injury prevention.

Listeners are encouraged to take part in the show by sharing their stories and asking the experts for advice on their physical and mental health issues.

Benefits of podcasting

We’ve looked at some examples of podcasting in action. Now let’s turn our attention to the benefits of podcasting.

It’s easy to get started

All you really need to get started with a podcast is a laptop, recording software, a microphone, and a decent internet connection. Nothing fancy or expensive.

Obviously, if your podcast hits the big time, you’ll need to invest in better equipment to improve the quality, but you don’t need anything fancy to begin with.

Competition is low

While there are 60 million active Facebook business pages (including charities), there are just 5 million active podcasts (the number shrinks further when you search by topic). With this low level of competition, you’re better off having a podcast than a social media page.

They’re engaging and convenient

Unlike blog content, which has to be read, or videos that require audiences to sit and watch, all a podcast listener has to do is hit play and listen. That makes it the perfect content type for multi-tasking, which most of us do on a daily basis.

Podcast audiences are loyal

Developing a podcast audience ahead of the competition is incredibly important because listeners are loyal to their favourite programmes.

They establish relationships with the hosts and want to check back each time there is a new podcast episode.

If you can establish a strong audience before the podcast boom, it’ll be hard for your competitors to tempt them away from you.

This loyalty also translates to other marketing channels. For example, podcast listeners are 20% more likely to connect with a brand on social media.

Final Word

If this post has inspired you to launch your own charity podcast, keep an eye out for the second part of this series, where we’ll give you the lowdown on how to start a podcast.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a tech-savvy fundraiser to manage your podcast, get in touch. We’ve got talented applicants on tap. Call us on 0203 750 3111 or email info@bamboofundraising.co.uk.

Six ways a recruitment agency can supercharge your job hunt

Looking for a new fundraising job? Your timing couldn’t be better. Today’s candidate-driven market means you’re in a strong position to find one.

But is the do-it-yourself approach the most effective way to find one? Not necessarily.

If you’re spending hours trawling job boards, filling out endless application forms, and not getting any responses, it might be time to try a different approach.

This is where professional recruiters come in.

Having a top-notch recruiter in your corner is like having your own personal advocate, someone who can help you find the right role, help you prepare for interview and negotiate the salary.

The best bit? It won’t cost you a penny.

With this in mind, here are six benefits of using a fundraising recruitment agency.

1.     They do the heavy lifting

You know that endless trawling we mentioned earlier? You won’t need to do that if you partner with an agency, as they’ll do it for you.

They’ll sift through the jobs and present you with roles that fit your skillset, qualifications, and interests.

All you have to do is decide which ones you want to apply for. 

2. Access to more jobs

Some fundraising jobs aren’t advertised on job boards. Some charities only post roles on their website. Others work exclusively with recruitment agencies to find high-quality candidates.

If you partner with one, it’ll open the door to lots more opportunities.

3. Coaching

The best recruiters don’t just find people jobs. They coach them through the process.  

They know what employers are looking for and what an ideal candidate looks like.

They’ll use this insider knowledge to help you improve your CV, hone your application, and interview like a pro.

4. Influence

Recruitment agencies put a lot of time and effort into developing strong relationships with their clients.

As a result, they have a lot of influence when it comes to recommending candidates.

A good recruiter will advocate for you. They’ll highlight your talents and skills to the employer and vouch for your soft skills. This is important as soft skills are difficult to gauge from a CV and cover letter, but they’re crucial to employers.

In fact, research by PeopleScout found that 92% of employers value soft skills equally, or more than hard skills. 

Another benefit of having a recruiter in your corner? If you don’t interview well but they know you’re a great fit, they may be able to sway the hiring manager’s decision.

5. Feedback

Lack of feedback is a major bugbear for jobseekers.

According to a study by StandOut CV, 63% of candidates are unhappy with the lack of communication they receive from employers after applying for a job.

This won’t be a problem if you go down the recruitment agency route.

You’ll receive feedback at each stage of the process. And, if you don’t get the job, the agency will tell you why and give you some handy pointers to help you bag the next one.

6. Negotiation

Job seekers are often their own worst enemies when it comes to negotiating salary.

Some are so excited to receive a job offer; they snap up whatever salary is on offer without question. Others lowball themselves and accept a salary they’re not happy with out of fear of asking for too much and not getting the job.

This is where working with a recruiter pays dividends.  

Their access to the latest market trends and salary data means you’ll have an ally with sector-specific insight and acumen to negotiate a compensation package you and your new employer will be happy with.

Final Word

When it comes to finding a job — that is, finding the right job — two heads are better than one. And when it comes to fundraising, you won’t find a better ‘second head’ than Bamboo.

But don’t take our word for it. Give us a call on 020 3750 3111 to find out how we can help.

How can charities rise to the net zero challenge?

Evidence shows that our planet has been getting hotter, with global average temperatures now 1.2°C higher than in the pre-industrial era.

1.2°C may not sound like much, but the reality is we’re already feeling the effects of incremental warming, such as erratic weather patterns (heatwaves, floods, and severe storms), the loss of polar ice, acidification of our oceans, and rising sea levels.

Global temperatures are on track to increase by as much as 2.7°C by 2100, which could render parts of the planet uninhabitable.

The world’s major governments, scientists and heads of industry all agree that urgent action is necessary to avoid further global warming. The general consensus is that the world must limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C, by halving our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

Net zero strategy

The UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener sets out a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This includes reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, making the transition to clean energy, and investing in green technology. 

For the country to reach this target, it needs the support of the public and every sector – including the third sector. 

However, a survey by Charity Finance Group into charities’ action to tackle climate change suggests more needs to be done to prioritise environmental awareness and care for the planet.

Eight in 10 charities (84%) surveyed said that they don’t have a net zero objective and only 14% said they currently report on their carbon emissions.

Furthermore, the survey found that charities want to do more to reduce emissions, but don’t know where to find support.

As a result, Charity Finance Group (CFG) published Charities and the path to net zero, a free guide to help charities develop a net-zero strategy, understand the links between net zero, investments, pensions, and grant-making, and reduce emissions through the procurement process.

Steps you can take now

Implementing the advice in CFG’s guide will take time. But there are lots of simple things you can do now to make a difference.

Recycle: When we recycle, we reduce the number of raw materials that need to be sourced to create products. For example, recycling a single tin can could save enough energy to power a computer for an hour. And a ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees from deforestation, as well as 7000 gallons of water, 380 gallons of oil, 4000 kWh energy, and 3 cubic yards of landfill space.

Reduce waste: wasted energy, materials, food, and water contribute to climate change and cost you money. By generating less waste, or managing it more efficiently, less of it will go to landfill, which ultimately benefits the environment.

Use electricity from renewable sources: Transition to renewable energy sources. If feasible, install solar panels or investigate renewable energy credits. 

This will not only lower your carbon emissions, it will also help you prepare for environmental laws and regulations that may come into force in the future.

Review your travel policy: given that over a quarter of the UK’s total carbon emissions are due to petrol- and diesel-powered transport, encouraging staff to walk, cycle or use public transport can significantly reduce your impact on the environment.

Cut down on packaging: explore ways to reduce packaging and choose eco-friendly alternatives. Consider using biodegradable or compostable materials and design packaging that minimises waste and maximises recyclability.

Make your supply chain greener: work with your suppliers to make your supply chain more sustainable. Encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly practices and prioritise suppliers that share your commitment to sustainability. You can look into buying products that take less energy to make, transport and use as a starting point. 

When procuring new services, ask suppliers to provide their sustainable strategy, policy, or credentials.  

Change banks: does your bank have investments in fossil fuels? If so, make the switch to a green bank that invests in renewable energy, such as the Green Investment Group.

Sign up to Carbon Neutral Britain:  Founded in 2020, Carbon Neutral Britain is an NGO that provides guidance and carbon offsetting to businesses and charities of all sizes.

When you sign up, they’ll calculate your annual carbon footprint, help you reduce it, and offset the remainder through certified carbon offsetting projects.

Once complete, your organisation will be certified as Carbon Neutral.

You can find out more here.

Final Word

Addressing climate change and environmental challenges may seem like a daunting prospect, but, whether it’s reducing the packing in your supply chain or implementing a greener transport link for employees, even the smallest of changes can make a big difference.

Is it time to start your journey?

Looking for an environmentally conscious fundraiser to join your team? We can help. Give us a call on 020 3750 3111 or email us at info@bamboofundraising.co.uk to get started.

Funding Opportunities: November

Grants are a vital source of income for charities large and small, but trawling through databases for relevant opportunities is a time-consuming task.

Enter Bamboo.

Each month, we’re going to scour the internet and highlight a range of funding opportunities from trusts, corporates, and the public sector.

Let’s get into it.

Peter Sowerby Foundation

Amount: Up to £500,000
Deadline: An expression of interest form must be submitted by 14th December 2023, 5pm.

The Peter Sowerby Foundation has announced a £2.5million open call for charities that tackle the ‘UK’s most pressing health issues through scale and innovation.’

Five charities will be awarded up to £500,000 to launch or expand existing initiatives that:

• demonstrate innovation in process, patient care or structural and systemic changes in primary healthcare.

• are high-impact and transformative in improving the quality of healthcare at scale (national) on three levels: individual, community and the sector.

• are potentially high-risk, complex, or technical.

• are backed up by clinical evidence and run by high-calibre professionals with compelling track records

Note: The scheme is focused on active delivery, not research i.e., it’s for initiatives which are ready to launch or scale.  

Click here to find out more and apply.

BA Better World Community Fund

Amount: Up to £15,000
Deadline: Ongoing

British Airways’ Community Fund provides match funding for crowdfunded projects that align with the priorities of BA Better World.

To qualify, projects must either:

• deliver support in areas experiencing social and economic deprivation, including rural communities.

• work with one or more of the following groups as a main focus:

- lower socio-economic groups
- culturally diverse communities.
- disadvantaged females.
- individuals struggling with mental health and wellbeing.
- groups that explore/provide solutions for climate change.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• provide training for disadvantaged groups to help them access employment and education.

• create opportunities for people in underrepresented groups, focused on improving gender and ethnic diversity and accessibility for people with disabilities.

• tackle environmental and climate challenges.

Additional information

• the fund will match each individual donation, up to £250.

• the maximum amount of funding per project is £15,000.

• projects must receive donations from at least 25 supporters to qualify.

Click here to find out more and apply.

Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Programme for Specialist Small Charities

Amount: £75,000
Deadline: Thursday, 25 January 2024, 5pm

The programme offers three-year unrestricted grants of £75,000 for small, local, specialist charities that provide in-depth services in one of the following areas:

• addiction

• asylum seekers and refugees

• care leavers

• domestic abuse

• homelessness

• offending

• sexual abuse and exploitation

• trafficking and modern slavery

The programme prioritises charities that:

• can demonstrate an understanding of trauma and strengths-based approaches. 

• involve people with lived experience in the leadership of the organisation and the design and delivery of services. 

• demonstrate an understanding of their own organisational challenges, have the interest and are willing to invest time and effort in owning and addressing them.

• can demonstrate a solid commitment to D, E, &I

To qualify, charities must have:

• an annual income of between £25,000 to £500,000.

• a board of at least three trustees.

Find out more and apply here.

Motability Community Transport Grant Programme

Amount: Up to £4m
Deadline: Ongoing

Through its Community Transport Grant programme, Motability is awarding charities in the community transport sector grants of between £100,000 and £4 million until March 2025.

The programme aims to help charities develop, expand, and improve community transport options for disabled people.

To qualify, charities must:

• be registered in the UK and have been active for at least three years.

• have generated an annual income of at least £150,000 per annum over the last three years.

• hold free reserves equivalent to at least three months of operating costs.

The scheme will fund:

• local, regional, or national initiatives that increase awareness of community transport and influence its inclusion in transport strategy and policy.

• existing schemes, programmes and initiatives that provide best practice solutions, but require further investment to remain operational or scale up.

• staff or volunteer training and costs.

• additional vehicles to support more disabled people in the community.

Additional information

 You can apply for one-, two- or three years ’ worth of funding. For example, you could apply for £102,000 in total over three years, which would be £34,000 per annum.

Find out more and apply here.

Looking for a trust fundraiser to join your team? We can help. Give us a call on 020 3750 3111 or email us at info@bamboofundraising.co.uk to get started.

New report explores how charities are responding to the cost of living crisis

According to the Office of National Statistics, around 46% of adults are finding it difficult to afford their rent or mortgage payments due to the increased cost of living. As a result, 63% are spending less on non-essentials, including charity donations.

A new report by Ensleigh Insurance explores how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting fundraising and the ability to recruit and retain staff. It also analyses what charities are doing to overcome these challenges.

The findings

307 charities took part in Endsleigh’s survey. Here are the key findings.

Finances under pressures

Charities reported that their finances were under pressure across all areas of the UK. At just under 65%, the north of England and the Midlands have been hardest hit, followed by the South at 58%.

Notably, 45% of respondents said they are in a worse financial position now than they were during the pandemic, and 43% fear their organisation is at risk of closure due to ongoing financial pressures.

Social media marketing and technology are a priority

The report found that charities are responding to financial challenges by increasing their social media marketing activity and utilising innovative technologies to engage younger donors.

Let’s look at these two areas in a little more detail.

Social media marketing

According to the Donor Pulse Summer Edition, the age groups feeling the financial squeeze most are Gen X and Baby Boomers. The picture looks slightly different for the under 40’s, with 28% of Gen Z saying they are unaffected, or are better off financially, as do 30% of millennials.

To target this group, 31% of Endsleigh’s survey respondents said they’ve doubled down on their social media marketing efforts in the last 12 months. While 30% have partnered with social media influencers to raise awareness and boost donations.

Use of technology

The survey also found that charities are experimenting with new technologies to engage Gen Z and millennials.

58% of charities said they’ve used the metaverse, Augmented Reality, VR, or online games to encourage donations in the past year.  

They’re also using tech to make it easier for people to donate. Online payments, facial recognition, and fingerprint scanning technology are now widely used by the charities surveyed, with 63% adopting one or more of the technologies over the last 12 months.

Recruitment

The report also looks at the sector’s recruitment and staffing issues.

Of those surveyed, 45% reported increased staff turnover and 55% said employees had been forced out of the sector in search of better-paid employment in other industries.

To fill the gaps, 29% said they are increasing their use of automation and AI.

Alison Meckiffe, chief executive of Endsleigh Insurance, said of the report, ‘The cost-of-living crisis has put even more pressure on charities, social enterprises, and not-for-profit organisations. While the report highlights the financial threat many organisations face, it also highlights the resilience of the industry, with many identifying ways to evolve their business model to continue to support those most in need.

You can read the full report here.

 Need a tech-savvy fundraiser to help you navigate the cost-of-living crisis? We can help. Give us a call on 0203 750 3111 to talk tactics.