Matthew Bridger, a committed charity advocate, founder of a prominent charity, patron to various causes, and board member of charitable organisations, has lent his influential voice to a pressing open letter addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom.
In collaboration with other notable figures and charitable organisations, Matthew has co-signed the letter, meticulously crafted by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. The document sheds light on the critical issue of chronic underfunding of contracts and grants, pushing numerous charities to the brink of crisis and jeopardising essential services relied upon by communities.
Drawing on his extensive experience in the charitable sector as a founder of a prominent charity and a patron supporting various charitable causes nationwide, Matthew was delighted to be asked to sign the letter as he recognises the severe impact that the current financial strain is having on charitable organisations and social enterprises, jeopardising their capacity to provide crucial support to communities across the UK.
Matthew’s involvement in this collective plea is rooted in his profound understanding of the challenges charities and social enterprises encounter. His hands-on experience as the founder of a prominent charity and his integral role in various charitable initiatives provide a unique perspective on the broader financial strains that impact these vital organisations.
The open letter, now adorned with Matthew’s signature, serves as a resounding call to action. It goes beyond a plea for immediate financial support, evolving into a unified cry for systemic change. The letter implores the Chancellor to ensure that grants and contracts not only provide immediate relief but also cover the true cost of service delivery, safeguarding the long-term sustainability of essential charitable initiatives.
Within the letter, attention is drawn to alarming statistics uncovered by the NCVO’s recent research. A staggering 73% of charities reveal that they cannot meet the current demand with their existing funding. Further, 40% state that their grants or contracts have never covered the true costs of delivery, with an additional 44% reporting insufficient coverage since at least 2020.
These statistics underscore the severity of the issue, emphasising the tangible impact on charities’ ability to provide vital services. Communities, already grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, are at risk of losing crucial support. Matthew’s co-signature amplifies the collective voice of those deeply invested in the charitable sector, urging the Chancellor to acknowledge the indispensable role charities play in societal well-being and to act swiftly to avert a looming crisis.
In this critical moment, Matthew stands alongside fellow advocates, emphasising the urgent need for transformative action to secure the future of charities and the essential services they provide to communities across the UK.
