This year, as part of #SFECan, we are launching our #MusicCan fundraising campaign.
Behind the campaign and really at the heart of what we do at Services For Education, are the following statements.
#SFECan change lives through the power of music and learning.
#MusicCan create opportunities
#MusicCan build confidence
#MusicCan remove barriers
But this isn’t just an SFE campaign. #YouCan change lives through the power of music too, by supporting SFE’s Music Projects.
Why Supporting Local Charities Makes Good Business Sense
In today’s competitive marketplace, organisations are looking for ways to strengthen their reputation, engage employees, and build deeper connections with their communities. One increasingly powerful way to achieve this is through meaningful support of local charities as part of a company’s ESG and CSR commitments.
Businesses that invest in their communities are not only doing the right thing — they are also making a smart strategic decision.
Research supports this.
A 2025 UK Fundraising Study found that 54% of employees feel more pride in their workplace when it supports charitable causes, increasing to 63% among workers aged 16-24. For organisations looking to attract and retain the next generation of talent, visible community impact matters.
This commitment is important to customers too. Recent years have shown an increase in people wanting to know that the businesses they buy from are giving something back; according to the Edelman Trust Barometer, 2022, with 82% of UK consumers being more likely to trust a company that supports social or environmental issues.
Why Local Partnerships Matter
Having a charitable ethos is important, but choosing a charity to support can be difficult. There are many worthwhile causes in the mix; large national organisations often have greater visibility and brand recognition, while many individuals have personal connections with particular causes.
However, by partnering with a local charity, #YouCan create deeper and more meaningful impact. By supporting organisations embedded within your community, businesses can build authentic relationships with local people, schools, families and organisations. These partnerships create opportunities for employee engagement, volunteering, and visible community impact.
From a financial perspective, the same donation can often make a significantly greater difference to a smaller charity, meaning your money can go further and #YouCan deliver tangible outcomes within your local area.
The Power of Music to Change Lives
#MusicCan transform lives, and we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to experience that power. Services For Education is proud to be a Birmingham-based charity, working with more than 27,000 children across the city each week. We provide musical opportunities for individuals and communities who might otherwise miss out — completely free of charge — removing the barrier of cost.
#SFECan through music education, deliver far more than just technical skills.
Through music, young people develop confidence, communication, creativity, collaboration and resilience — skills that support them throughout their education and into adulthood. These are the very capabilities that help young people succeed in the workplace and contribute positively to society.
However, we cannot do this alone.
Our work is made possible through partnerships with businesses that share our vision of supporting young people and strengthening communities.
Partnering With Businesses to Create Impact
The corporate relationships we build are about more than just money. We recognise that every organisation is different, which is why we work flexibly with companies to create partnerships that deliver value for both the business and the charity.
There are many ways your organisation can become a Corporate Impact Partner…
#YouCan Make Financial Donations
Whether through a one-off donation, employee fundraising initiative, or a Charity of the Year partnership, every contribution helps us deliver life-changing musical opportunities for children across Birmingham.
Businesses may also choose to sponsor specific projects, support fundraising challenges, or enter a team into one of our events. We can help engage your staff and provide ideas and resources to maximise involvement.
#YouCan Become an Affinity Partner
Affinity partnerships allow us to work together across our networks to raise awareness of both organisations. This could include shared promotion, commissions or rebates, discounted services, in-kind support, or sharing specialist expertise.
These collaborations can create mutually beneficial opportunities while supporting a meaningful cause.
Read about how Paul did just this here.
#YouCan Offer Gifts In-Kind
Many businesses support our work through donations of services, venues, products, or experiences that help us deliver events and fundraising activities.
Examples include providing event space, refreshments, transport, printing, promotional materials, or prizes for fundraising activities.
#YouCan Volunteer
Volunteering is a powerful way for teams to engage directly with our work.
Corporate volunteers often support front-of-house at concerts and events, helping us raise vital funds while experiencing first-hand the impact of music on young people and their families.
Read about Jo’s volunteering experience here.
#YouCan Offer Payroll Giving
By offering payroll giving to your employees, you are enabling them to support SFE directly, at no cost to your business. It’s quick and simple to set up and means that an automatic monthly donation comes to us straight from their salary and best of all, tax is deducted.
Investing in Community, Talent and the Future
Supporting Services For Education is more than a charitable gesture. It is an investment in your community, your workforce, and the next generation.
By helping us provide access to music education, your organisation can play a role in unlocking potential, building confidence in young people, and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from people and companies who are supporting us;
‘Getting involved with Services For Education is a brilliant way to give back and support pupils within local schools. It is a great opportunity to learn more about our ESG/CSR impact but also connects us with good people who care about making a difference.’
Jo Jones, Client Relationship Manager, Clancy Consulting
‘Using my skills and company to support Services For Education made sense. Not only did it help raise money towards their work, but also created a new experience for the young musicians at the same time.’
Paul Painter, Owner, Paul Painter Photography
‘We have been supporting the education sector for over 20 years, and working with Services For Education is a way for us to do this and help support children, and other groups, across the city on their musical journey.’
Rory Franklin, Business Development, WaveEd
Join Us in Harnessing the Power of Music
Could your organisation help us transform lives through music?
By supporting our #SFECan campaign your business will be investing in stronger communities, brighter futures, and a more confident, skilled generation of young people.
To find out more about becoming a Corporate Impact Partner, please contact Sarah Caldwell, Fundraising Manager at: [email protected]
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.