On 2 October, IVAR turned 25. The sector – and the world – are very different places since 2000, but our mission has been constant: standing alongside charities – so they can make the biggest difference to our communities.
Small charities simply indispensable. Often working in distinct geographies and on overlooked causes, they provide essential support when it’s needed most, step in during moments of crisis, and understand what their communities need. Yet, through our conversations we hear again and again about the mounting pressures they face: curtailed funding, increased demand, closures, and the toll this takes on staff wellbeing. Leaders frequently talk about the strain of “doing more with less” and the value of having even a brief space to pause and share experiences. An increasing proportion of small charity leaders report stress, burnout and declining mental health linked to financial insecurity and constant pressures.
As a small recognition of this, IVAR’s staff, associates and trustees have nominated some of the charities we have been privileged to work with over the years. To mark our 25th birthday, we have gifted each one £250 – a small but intentional contribution towards something that supports staff wellbeing: it could be a meal out, some office decorations, or time away from the usual pressures.
The charities span different causes, geographies and communities – from literacy support in Hackney to creative mental health programmes in Newcastle, refugee support in Stockton-on-Tees to legal advocacy in Glasgow. These organisations, in their diversity and dedication, demonstrate the sector’s versatility and enduringly essential role.
It has been a privilege to work with small charities for 25 years. As we look ahead, we remain committed to championing your voices, creating spaces for collaboration, and ensuring that your work has the resources and support it deserves.
Our 25th birthday charities
If you are listed below but have not received a donation it may be that we’re struggling to get in touch with you! Please write to vanessa@ivar.org.uk and we will get your gift to you.
| Name | Location | What it does |
| Amberliegh | Islington, London | Brings children and young people together through drumming, dance and music. |
| Café Laziz | St Helens, Merseyside | Welcomes refugees and asylum seekers by running a community café and creating opportunities to share food and culture. |
| CDA Herts | Hertfordshire | Strengthens communities across the county by supporting local groups, tackling rural challenges and promoting inclusion. |
| Chilli Studios | Newcastle upon Tyne | Improves mental health by offering creative workshops, art spaces and peer support. |
| Come Together Hub | St Helens, Merseyside | Provides a safe, welcoming space where local people can meet, learn and support each other. |
| Focus on Family | Coleraine, Northern Ireland | Supports families with childcare, training and community activities that build confidence and resilience. |
| Give a Book | UK-wide | Promotes reading by getting books into prisons, schools and communities that need them most. |
| Govan Law Centre | Glasgow | Uses the law to fight poverty and discrimination, offering free legal advice and advocacy. |
| Hanley Crouch Community Centre (Brickworks) | Islington, London | Brings people together through community events, food support and local services. |
| Happy Homes | Wandsworth, London | Helps families build stable homes through workshops, advice and wellbeing activities. |
| Home-Start Portsmouth | Portsmouth | Matches trained volunteers with families to provide home visits, emotional support and practical help. |
| Island Community Action | Isle of Portland, Dorset | Brings people together on Portland through activities, volunteering and projects that strengthen community life. |
| Latin American House | Kilburn, London | Supports Latin American communities with advice services, education and cultural programmes. |
| Literacy Pirates | Hackney, London | Runs after-school programmes that help children develop literacy, confidence and perseverance. |
| London Gypsies and Travellers | London | Challenges discrimination and campaigns for rights while offering advice and community development. |
| Outfit Moray | Moray, Scotland | Builds confidence in young people through outdoor adventure, education and team challenges. |
| Red Ladder Theatre Company | Leeds, West Yorkshire | Produces radical theatre rooted in activism, bringing stories of working-class communities to audiences nationwide. |
| Refugee Futures | Stockton-on-Tees | Helps refugees and people seeking asylum to flourish through mentoring, training and community support. |
| Romano Lav | Govanhill, Glasgow, Scotland | Promotes Roma culture and supports Roma people to tackle poverty and exclusion. |
| Roehampton Wellbeing for Women and Children | Roehampton, London | Supports women and children with wellbeing groups, advice and activities. |
| SELFA | Skipton, North Yorkshire | Works with children and young people to boost wellbeing, build confidence and reduce isolation. |
| Take the Jump | UK-wide | Inspires climate action by encouraging everyday lifestyle changes that reduce consumption. |
| Vineyard Compassion | Coleraine, Northern Ireland | Tackles poverty and social disadvantage through foodbanks, debt advice, training and community support. |
| Wishing Well Project | Crewe, Cheshire | Improves health and wellbeing through community projects, music and support services. |
| Youth and Family Alliance (YAFA) | Sheffield | Builds stronger communities by running youth projects, family support and neighbourhood development. |