We understand that even the best-run charities can face unexpected challenges. Enjoolata Foundation Emergency Funding is here to offer a helping hand when times get really tough.

To help us assess your request fairly and quickly, we’ve put together a checklist of key considerations we ask you to review first.  Before applying, please take a moment to work through the list: being able to show you’ve thought carefully about each point will really strengthen your application and help us understand how best we can support you.

1. Assess Your Financial Position

• Have you prepared a cashflow forecast (next 3–6 months minimum)?

• Have you identified your financial shortfall (how much and by when)?

• Have you calculated how long you can continue operating at current spend?

• Have you reviewed restricted vs unrestricted funding available?

• Have you prioritised critical costs (e.g. salaries, essential services)?

2. Cut Costs Sensibly

• Can you pause or reduce non-essential activities and projects?

• Can you negotiate payment terms or discounts with suppliers?

• Can you reduce staff hours or consider temporary furlough options (if appropriate)?

• Can you reduce any other non-essential overheads?

• Have you identified and protected core services to avoid long-term damage?

• Have you explored income-generating opportunities or reserves (where appropriate)?

3. Other Funding Options

• Have you researched and applied to other relevant grant-making trusts or emergency funders in your local area or sector?

• Have you contacted your usual funders to request flexibility or additional support?

• Have you checked eligibility for government or statutory emergency schemes (e.g. crisis recovery funds, resilience programmes)?

• Apply quickly and clearly prioritising quality over quantity: clearly state the impact of your work and the risk if your charity closes.

• Could you use any reserves or designated funds where possible?

4. Financial Transparency

• Can you demonstrate how and when the emergency funds will be used?

• Have you calculated how long the funding will sustain operations?

• Are you able to show how your organisation is adapting to the current situation and planning for the future?

5. Unlock New Fundraising Opportunities

• Can you launch a targeted public appeal (using email, website, social media, crowdfunding)?

• Have you asked regular donors to increase their gift temporarily?

• Have you explored matched funding opportunities?

• Have you set up/promoted online donations (e.g. JustGiving, CAF, PayPal)?

• Can you mobilise trustees, ambassadors, or patrons to fundraise or give?

• Can you explore corporate or local business sponsorship (especially in-kind support)?

• Have you explored trading/income generation, such as selling goods or services, training or facilitation income generation activities?

• Do you have any assets from which you can create an income, such as a venue for hire or staff training opportunities?

6. Strengthening Existing Communications

• Have you communicated your need honestly and clearly to supporters? For example, can you mobilise trustees, ambassadors, or patrons to fundraise or give?

• Have you used stories, case studies, and urgency in your messaging?

• Have you explained how donations will make a difference right now?

• Have you updated your website and social media with clear appeals?

• Have you spoken to the media and local/regional newspapers and media to share your cause in the community?

7. Appropriateness of the Request

• Are you applying for genuinely emergency-related costs (e.g. preventing service closure, crisis delivery adaptations)?

• Can you demonstrate that the funding requested is proportionate to your needs and the size of your organisation?

8. Plan for Recovery

• Have you reviewed your charity’s business model: what is viable long term?

• Have you explored partnerships, charity merger or shared services to reduce future costs?

• Can you invest in fundraising capacity or grant writing services?

• Can you rebuild reserves when your position stabilises?

• Can you use the crisis to rethink and streamline how you deliver impact?

9. Governance Involvement

• Has your board or leadership team reviewed and approved this funding request?

• Is your governance structure actively involved in your response planning and financial oversight?