People may think ‘it’s not much’ as they drop a few coins into one of our bright pink buckets at a concert. Or perhaps say ‘it’s only £5’ as they make a donation online. But every little bit really does add up.
Pennies make pounds, as they say, and those pounds help make projects possible. Every donation, whatever the amount or how it’s given, is greatly appreciated and plays a part in our fundraising efforts.
By making a donation, #YouCan help us make a difference to lives across Birmingham through our charitable projects.
With our Festive Concerts kicking off in a few weeks, it’s the perfect time to look at what donations from previous concerts have helped make possible.
Some of the things we’ve achieved are big, creating opportunities that benefit not only individual young musicians, but also their families and the wider community.
Take our Outdoor Music Festivals, for example. The first two events were made possible through grants from Trusts, which we really appreciated. But in 2024, the event was made possible thanks to individual giving (IG) donations.
These donations enabled us to hire a wonderful outdoor venue and, importantly, keep the event free to attend. This meant that people who might not otherwise have been able to afford tickets could come along and enjoy the festival. We were also able to give some of our Ensemble members the opportunity to compere and our Birmingham Inclusive Choir the opportunity to perform on stage in their very own performances.
With the total cost of hosting the festival coming in at around £5,000, it really puts into perspective how important fundraising is – and how every donation can contribute to making something special happen.
Individual giving donations have also helped fund coach transport for some of our Ensembles to travel to London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall and take part in Youth Music’s national competitions. This was a fantastic opportunity for our young musicians, giving them not only the chance to perform at an iconic venue, but also memories to treasure.
Pictured below from left to right: SFE Ensembles at Royal Albert Hall for the Music for Youth Proms 2025 and Birmingham Inclusive Choir performing at our 2025 Outdoor Festival.
But it’s not just the big things that matter. Individual giving donations have also helped us purchase smaller items that make a difference to our young musicians, from the Ensemble ties they wear proudly at performances to pencils and plastic folders for their music. These may seem like little things, but they all help make life as an Ensembles member that bit more enjoyable.
Another great thing about individual donations, whether made in cash, by card or online through CAF, is that eligible donations can also benefit from Gift Aid. This allows us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated by eligible UK taxpayers, at no extra cost to the supporter.
Over the last three years, Gift Aid on concert donations has generated an average of around £600 a year, while online donations through CAF have brought in just under £2,000 a year in Gift Aid.
So, the next time you drop a few coins into a pink bucket or make a donation online, remember that you’re helping to make a difference. Because when lots of little donations come together, they can make big things possible.
Every donation counts. Every pound makes a difference. And together, #YouCan help us bring music and learning to life across Birmingham.
Support Our #MusicCan Campaign
At Services For Education (SFE) everything we do is to support our mission to bring music and learning to life. With your support, #WeCan achieve this mission.
#SFECan bring music to life for more people. #MusicCan change lives. #YouCan help to change lives by supporting SFE.
If you would like to get involved in any way, email us at [email protected] or if you would like to make a donation, use the button below.
MAKE A DONATION TODAY About the Author
Sarah Caldwell – Fundraising Manager, Services For Education
Sarah Caldwell joined Services For Education in Summer 2023, bringing with her over 14 years fundraising experience. Working in the Birmingham charity sector, she has raised valuable funds for a range of projects impacting the day to day lives of young people with disabilities.
Sarah has experience across a number of fundraising streams (including Trusts & Foundation, Events and Corporate Fundraising), and brings this, along with a strong interest in building relationships with supporters, to her role at SFE.