Steer & Co’s Post

In this season of giving, take the step to be the change you want to see, contribute to the catalytic changes ACT! is impacting. Give generously to ACT! Click the link below.

Networking is so key in development. It saves time and resources and catalyses impact through the sharing of best practices. Working in isolation is never as effective as coming together.

I have always thought government funding is a double-edged sword. I’m not saying a charity should never accept government funding but if you do advocacy, want to influence public policy or are a faith-based non-profit then your voice is going to be affected or silenced or you will run up against opposing values when receiving government funding. In my early days as a fundraiser, I would frequently suggest producing fundraising appeals where we would challenge government policy as part of the messaging. This was never accepted on the basis that “it will affect our relationships with XX government department from whom we receive funding”. I always thought this was crazy especially when government policy was partly or largely responsible for a rise in demand for services or imminent non-profit budget problems. Like the time the government slashed foreign aid funding to its lowest ever levels (and that has never been completely restored regardless of which party was in power). Or the ongoing lack of adequate government action on affordable social housing which is contributing to a rise in homelessness. Or the woefully inadequate investment into the country's mental health epidemic. Or the posturing and fudging around environmental laws that would save endangered species. I could go on but you get the idea. Such issues lend themselves to advocacy fundraising (which I would LOVE to do more of) but I never bother suggesting it any more because non-profits just won't do it because they fear the risk of losing a funding source. I understand in many cases that government funding is a big proportion of a non-profit's funding model. But there are instances where a charity would do well to try reducing its reliance on government funding in order to have a stronger public voice. It's also good risk management - I've been called in on several occasions by a panicked charity desperate to raise funds because their government funding was allocated elsewhere that year, often leaving a budget hole in the hundreds of thousands if not millions. Just because you get government funding one year doesn't mean you'll get it the year after.

Introducing- 🌟More Than a Roof 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the launch of More Than A Roof a new charity dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness across the UK. Homelessness is a challenge that impacts thousands across our communities. At More Than a Roof, we believe it’s about more than finding a roof — it’s about creating opportunities, restoring dignity, and offering hope for a better future. At More Than a Roof, we believe in assisting people on their journey by offering resources and experiences that help rebuild lives and restore hope. Our mission begins with a bold goal: to raise £25,000 in 2025. Every penny will go towards making #MOMENTSTHATMATTER. We know that meaningful change requires a community effort—and we can’t do this alone. Here’s how you can help: ✅ Follow our journey here on LinkedIn. ✅ Share this post to spread the word. ✅ Donate or connect with us to discuss partnerships. Together, we can make sure everyone has not just a roof over their heads, but a foundation for a brighter future. Visit our website www.morethanaroof.org.uk or drop us a message to learn more. Let’s make 2025 a year of hope and difference. #MoreThanARoof #EndHomelessness James Rosenthal Matthew Vohs Jeremy Garcia Marc Gelbart Marc Goodkind Gary Teper Mark Turner Sarah Dunwell #Charity #UKCharity #HomelessnessAwareness

Philanthropy literally means ‘the love of humanity’. Each day, millions of Australians express this sentiment in practical ways, seeking to improve the wellbeing and resilience of their communities by contributing to causes they care about. Philanthropy can provide funding for activities that the community values and that would otherwise be underfunded or not funded at all due to constraints on governments.   In our latest Charity Alert, Senior Associate Dan Saunders breaks down what you need to know if you want to establish a public or private giving fund. Read now: https://lnkd.in/gfebUZ3E

Empowerment through Individual Giving: The Key to Effective Charity Discover the power of individual giving in creating real impact and transforming lives. Learn how bypassing the government and giving directly can make a difference in people's lives. Join us in exploring the benefits of personal charity and making a lasting change. #IndividualGiving #EffectiveCharity #TransformingLives #PersonalPhilanthropy #MakingADifference #DirectImpact #CommunityEmpowerment #SocialChange #GivingBack #CharitableActs

We've now begun receiving our $200 cheques from the provincial government to make up the hard times we are experiencing. Although a nice boost, $200 for a single person won't be a lot to deal with our ever-rising housing and food costs. Together though, that $200 turns into $3 billion. Think of what the government could have done with $3 billion instead of these cheques. We could have greatly benefitted from the services that $3 billion would provide instead of individual cheques. Since the money is now in my hands, I'm choosing to donate it, following the #200Ontario movement. A non-partisan initiative to make our province a better place and donate our cheques to organizations that really need it. I will be donating mine to TNG Community Services for their great work in combatting homelessness and poverty but you can pick whatever organization speaks to you. You can find a list of suggested organizations here: https://lnkd.in/gZVJU7r3 We can #donatetogether because a better world is possible.

This #InternationalDayofCharity, we celebrate of all of our partners in Spain, Iceland, Austria, and Germany who have joined us in our mission to improve outcomes for children of parents with mental illness. Most developed countries recognise the children of parents with a mental illness as an at-risk group. In the UK, young people cannot get help until they themselves become ill. We are the only UK charity focused on this issue, and now our approach is being rolled out across Europe. As a small charity, we rely entirely on individual and organisational donations, so that we can continue to reach out to families who need support. How can you help? 🌟 There are lots of ways that you can get involved, from setting yourself a personal challenge, to organising a fundraising event, or becoming a corporate donor. If you are interested in supporting us, please get in touch: office@ourtime.org.uk #dayofcharity #internationaldayofcharity #donate #ourtimecharity #mentalillness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness Fundació Orienta

Reason #1,930 why I love The Lemonade Circle 🍋💜 Every so often, I am blessed with the opportunity to capture moments that transcend beyond just images, and this recent experience was exactly that. I had the honor of photographing the 'Volunteer With Fresh' event hosted by The Lemonade Circle, in partnership with A Fresh Foundation. As a photographer, I’m often behind the scenes, but on days like this, I’m reminded of the bigger picture. It’s not just about the photographs; it’s about capturing the spirit of a community that stands strong together, supporting one another, especially in difficult times. This day wasn’t just about serving food—it was about building community, offering compassion, and reminding everyone that we’re in this together. Through every lens, I saw something truly powerful—people coming together not just as volunteers, but as neighbors, as friends, as a family. Hands were extended not just to provide meals, but to offer dignity, hope, and a shared sense of belonging. It was a moving reminder that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all have a role to play in lifting one another up. We need more of this. More love. More giving. More heart. In a time where the world can feel divided, these acts of kindness and unity show us what’s possible when we come together for a common purpose. It wasn’t just about meeting a physical need, but about feeding the heart and soul—bringing light, love, and human connection to those who need it most. And I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who came out and played a part in making this day possible. My biggest takeaway: Even help in the smallest of ways can go so far for someone in need 🍋💜 #youth #mentorship #community #giveback #sanantoniotexas #homelessness #humanity

Businesses have the power to create positive change. Here’s how to give back to your community: Support Local Charities: Partner with or donate to organizations in need. Volunteer Time: Encourage employees to participate in community service. Sustainable Practices: Implement eco-friendly initiatives to protect the environment. Sponsor Events: Support local events that benefit community causes. #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CommunityImpact #GiveBack #SustainableBusiness #Volunteerism #LocalCharity #SocialGood #BusinessEthics #CommunitySupport