Blog

At the start of 2026, to mark Orchard Fundraising’s tenth anniversary, we launched our 10 for 10 initiative – offering pro bono fundraising support to ten charities and community organisations doing important work across the UK.

The aim was simple: to share our fundraising expertise with organisations that could benefit from additional support but may not otherwise be able to access it.

A Fantastic Response

The response exceeded our expectations.

We heard from charities working across a wide range of causes, each with their own challenges, ambitions and fundraising priorities. Choosing who to support was no easy task, and we were struck by the passion, commitment and impact demonstrated by so many of the organisations that applied.

Since then, we’ve begun working alongside charities, tailoring our support to their individual needs.

Our Fundraising Support So Far

One of the things we’ve been reminded of very quickly is that no two organisations are the same. So, as is our usual approach, we’ve focused on understanding each organisation’s priorities and providing practical support where it can make the greatest difference.

Some of the organisations we’re supporting include: 

• Evolving Mindset: Based in one of England’s most disadvantaged communities in Knowsley, near Liverpool, Evolving Mindset works to improve mental health and wellbeing through counselling, youth and community services. Through 10 for 10, we’ve worked alongside the team to strengthen funding applications, identify new funding opportunities and embed lived experience, case studies and evidence so each proposal presents a stronger investment case from a funder’s perspective. This support is helping build a more resilient pipeline of income to expand services and reach more people in the community.
• Park Yoga: Park Yoga is a national charity providing free outdoor yoga sessions that improve physical and mental wellbeing while helping people feel more connected to their communities. Through 10 for 10, we’ve been supporting the organisation to develop a fundraising strategy focused on building stronger supporter journeys, encouraging regular giving and creating a more sustainable income model for the future.
• Write Back: Based in Barking and Dagenham, one of England’s most deprived boroughs, Write Back uses creative writing to help young people build confidence, self-esteem and connection. When we started working together, the charity was facing a significant funding cliff edge following the end of a major multi-year grant. Through 10 for 10, we’ve helped review unsuccessful applications, identify new funding opportunities and strengthen how the organisation communicates its impact. Most recently, we’ve supported an application to the Hugo Burge Foundation, seeking £9,600 to fund a year of storytelling programmes for some of the area’s most vulnerable young people, while continuing to build a more diverse pipeline of funders to reduce reliance on a single income source.
• Be More Dandelion: Based across Essex and Suffolk, Be More Dandelion supports people affected by domestic abuse, helping create safer futures for individuals and families. Through 10 for 10, we’ve worked alongside the team to shape their corporate fundraising approach, develop materials for a fundraising conference, strengthen full cost recovery budgets and build a stronger, funder-ready proposition for future funding.

What We’ve Learned So Far

Although every organisation is different, a common theme has emerged.

Many charities are doing exceptional work with limited resources. Often, what they need is not a complete overhaul but access to practical advice and support, an outside perspective, and the confidence to take the next step.

It’s been a privilege to work alongside these organisations and to see first-hand the dedication behind their work.

Looking Ahead

Our support continues throughout the year, and we’ll be sharing more stories, reflections and client case studies as the programme develops.

One of the things we’re most excited about is seeing how these organisations grow, adapt and build on the work already underway.

As we celebrate ten years of Orchard Fundraising, 10 for 10 has been a timely reminder of why we do what we do: helping great organisations achieve even greater impact.