As we near the year end, and finish writing up our annual reports to donors, we are currently focusing as well on the work ahead in 2010.  As I have written previously, there are many challenges for Survivors Fund (SURF), though also a number of opportunities too.

The past year has been difficult for many charities, ourselves included. Fundraising has been particularly hard, as many foundations and trusts are giving less to fewer grantees. Thus, we have focused on trying to increase giving from individual donors, and we are set to have generated our highest level to date. We have made this easier through a new partnership with Virgin Money Giving. This complements the institutional donors that have continued to support our work too.

We are currently working on a number of grant applications, decisions on which we will learn only next year. We hope this will re-establish our focus on supporting the community of survivors in the UK, as well as to extend our work supporting survivors in Rwanda. We will also be scaling up our education work in the UK, which has begun to generate greater funding for us this year.

Concurrently, we have been working to cut our costs too – aware that there is never any guarantee that the funding for which we budget will be secured. As such, we hope to be announcing the relocation of our office in the new year, which will help ensure that our operations are even more efficient.

If you are still considering a donation to our end of year appeal, then thank you! Regardless, our appreciation for your ongoing support – even just by reading this blog and keeping abreast of our work – is greatly appreciated.

Wishing 2010 brings health and happiness to all.