Small charities are being urged to take part in this year’s Small Charity Week, to promote the difference they are making to communities.

This year’s promotional campaign is being organised by NCVO and will focus on how small charities are strengthening local communities.

The charities’ body has released a pack of promotional materials for charities “to help them spread the word and show the massive impact small charities have”.

This will be available to download from May 7 ahead of Small Charity Week, which takes place from 24 to 28 June.

“Small charities provide bespoke support to some of the most vulnerable people but need better support and resources to continue their vital work,” said NCVO chief executive Sarah Vibert.

“They are a lifeline, and the government needs to recognise how reliant many people are on the charities in their local area.

“That is why NCVO is committed to amplifying the voices of those on the front lines of small charities and telling their inspirational stories. They do so much for so many and this Small Charity Week sustainability, recognition and understanding of small charities will be at the forefront of our campaign.”

Ahead of Small Charity Week organisers surveyed small charities to find out what topics they most wanted help with. These will be included in the week of activities and will cover issues such as marketing, people management, evaluation and technology.

After surveying small charities to find out what topics they most wanted support with, we’re excited to announce the daily themes for #SmallCharityWeek 🎉

Mark the dates in your calendar, start planning your activities and look out for resources and event details coming soon 👀 pic.twitter.com/gDfhNSFVVC

— Small Charity Week (@SmallCharity_Wk) May 1, 2024

The event had in the past involved the Small Charities Coalition, which closed two years ago with the NCVO taking over some of its functions.

Among small charities taking part this year is Bedfordshire learning disability and autism charity Living It Up.

Its chief executive Fizz Heseltine said: “Like many small charities, funding is always a challenge for us. Securing sustainable funding streams to support our existing work and our efforts to expand the services is a constant uphill battle.

“We don’t have enough money for a dedicating grants team – and so it becomes really difficult to secure funding.

“Our local council is supportive, but we don’t get any funding from them, and although that would be great to be funded for the services we deliver, we know there just isn’t the money.

“We aren’t experts, we’re all just learning on the job and doing a bit of everything – and so understanding from people about the realities of running a small charity would go a long way.”

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