Fundraising and social justice in a time of crisis

Statutory services are working hard to meet this demand, but the numbers tell a challenging story. Some children wait up to three years for mental health support, and nearly 40% of referrals are closed before children even receive help, according to the Children’s Commissioner. Locally, Cambridgeshire services report average waiting times of over a year for assessments, highlighting the pressures on families and the system. 

Into this gap step charities like Cambridge Acorn Project. But while the need for our work has never been greater, the financial landscape we rely on to deliver it has never been tougher. 

This isn’t just about difficult fundraising conditions. It’s about inequality, justice, and the kind of society we choose to build. When children are left unsupported and trauma goes unhealed, the costs are borne by all of us. And when the state doesn’t meet these needs, charities must not only respond with compassion, but also hold a vision for something better.

A precarious but vital moment

For smaller charities like Cambridge Acorn Project, traditional income streams are under severe pressure. Local authority budgets continue to be cut, while applications to trusts and foundations have surged to unsustainable levels. For example, some funders can now only support 4–14% of applicants, leaving many charities competing for a shrinking pool of funding. 

At the same time, the cost-of-living crisis means many individuals cannot give as much they once did. In 2024, less than 50% of people donated to charity, and donations from 16–24 year-olds have fallen by a third since 2017. Volunteer support, vital for many small charities, has also declined, with only 10% of people volunteering in 2024 – a drop of 1.5 million people since 2023. For charities like us, this creates a precarious position, requiring careful planning and creative approaches to sustaining our work. 

Yet, it’s also a moment of possibility because challenge drives innovation. 

At Cambridge Acorn Project, we’re beginning to diversify our income, building stronger links with local supporters and businesses who share our belief that early, holistic intervention transforms lives. By working creatively, we’re building resilience not just for our organisation, but for the children and families who depend on us.

Innovation in the face of scarcity 

In a landscape of reducing resources, Cambridge Acorn Project has responded with innovative ways to meet need. 

A great example of this is our partnership with East Cambridgeshire Integrated Neighbourhood Social Prescribing. Together, we are extending social prescriptions to children and young people – a cross-sector approach that links them with non-clinical, community based activities designed to support their social, emotional, and practical needs. This relational way of working helps to strengthen their overall health and wellbeing. 

We also deliver specialist training for therapeutic, trauma-informed working situations, where we are equipping professionals across the county to meet children with empathy and understanding. 

These initiatives do more than fill gaps left by failing systems. They model a different way of responding to trauma – one rooted in justice, compassion, and long-term change.

The power of partnership

At Cambridge Acorn Project, we view other charities and community groups as vital partners in our shared mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Our work in Huntingdon highlights the power of collaboration, with local organisations pooling their knowledge and expertise to provide joined-up support for families facing challenges in every area of life. Two of our wellbeing drop-in hubs are run in partnership with local organisations, helping to build sustainable services and strengthen community infrastructure. In Huntingdon, this means working closely with Huntingdon Community Action Projects, Huntingdon Town Council, and Huntingdon Parish. 

This spirit of collaboration is powerful. When funders see charities working side by side, they recognise that their resources – and the impact they have – are going even further. But perhaps most importantly, families benefit from a truly joined-up, person-centered approach – one that helps them feel supported rather than isolated. As one of our wellbeing drop-in hubs shared, “Cambridge Acorn Project have been a lifeline for me, helping me navigate the issues in my life.” Another also said, “the staff were able to give me advice and guidance for things I’m experiencing… there is no judgement from anyone.”

The moral responsibility we share

The belief at the heart of our work is that every child in need should have timely access to therapeutic support. Until that becomes reality, we must work together – charities, donors, partners, and communities – to create the change we want to see. 

At Cambridge Acorn Project, we are passionate about taking action. We use research and evidence to show that early, trauma-informed intervention is not only compassionate and morally the right thing to do, but it’s cost-effective to society. We demonstrate that investing in children now saves money later.

A call to hope – and to action

Yes, the landscape is challenging. But every challenge also carries opportunity: to innovate, to collaborate and to lead. At Cambridge Acorn Project, we’re committed to doing just that. 

We believe that with the right support, every child can thrive. We believe trauma should never define a child’s future. And, we believe that together – with funders, partners, and supporters – we can build a fairer, more compassionate society.