ACEVO CEO Vicky Browning said:
“Yesterday’s announcements from the secretary of state for DCMS are a welcome intervention into the sector which is already starting to see redundancies and closures. ACEVO has been clear since the beginning of the pandemic that financial support is needed but that financial support must be given in a way that is most impactful for the sector.
“For many charities and social enterprises taking on new debt through loans is not a viable option for them and more grant funding is needed. It is also important that any funding is distributed through swift and simple mechanisms, it will be over 6 weeks between the chancellor’s announcement of a package of support for civil society and the application process opening.
“ACEVO wants to work with government to release a financial package that meets the needs of the sector, so that we can all best met the needs of the people we serve. This includes getting support to groups that are led-by and for BAME people, Disabled people, and women who have all been disproportionately impacted by coronavirus.”