By Todd Baker Project Coordinator Ethical Property Foundation
“Hands up, how many here consider their charity building as an asset? Ok, how many as a liability?”
And so begins another Ethical Property Foundation educational workshop. While the sessions are packed full of expert advice it is the above set of questions that really capture the attention with barely any hands up for either option. What is clear is that property, quite often, is simply not considered by charity staff – they’re far too busy trying to save the world or at least their local park!
However, a charity building has never been more important. Especially in the post Covid-19 world that we will emerge too. While many charities are working from home those buildings are still there; they still need that options appraisal, that property strategy, that energy performance review. Just because your charity is not physically there does not make your building any less important.
This is why the Ethical Property Foundation’s Charity Property Matters Survey 2020 is more vital than ever. The 2018 edition found that 32% of charities have experienced difficulty in finding funding for property costs and 26% of charities believe that a lack of long-term security of tenure has been an issue. If that was true then, then what is the case now the world has been shifted? Now that community, solidarity and kindness are at the forefront on the national agenda? The Charity Property Matters Survey is just one way we can ensure that charities are considered and remain a strength during this crisis.