The #SaveOurBrassBands campaign has hit another funding milestone with over £140,000 now being raised to support the mission of brass bands across England.
As of 19 January 2021, the total raised sits at £140, 539, raised through 2,769 supporters of 72 projects nationwide.
The crowdfunder consists of individual member bands who have been working hard to ensure their bands survive the difficulties presented by Covid-19. To encourage support from loyal audience members and local communities, bands have been offering various rewards to donors, such as the Maltby Miners Welfare Band, which has been busy recording bespoke virtual performances for supporters to enjoy remotely.
For bands still seeking support, the Brass Bands Emergency Fund remains open with over £7,000 currently available for bands in need. Individual bands are eligible to apply for support with ongoing costs such as rent, insurance and staff payments. Applicants are also offered bespoke support in governance and funding as part of a wider band triage process offered by BBE. Here, the team will work with you on your business plan to ensure that funds generate short-term impact as well as contribute to the ongoing financial health of your organisation. The band triage offer is free to BBE member bands that need it.
Alex Parker, BBE’s Relationship and Partnership Development Manager, said:
“The Brass Band Emergency Fund isn’t just about plugging a short-term financial hole. Our band triage sessions can ensure that all areas of band management, such as governance and fundraising, are all pointing towards a sustainable future for that band.
We hope that these micro-grants from our emergency pot can help set these changes in motion so that bands are in a good position to get back to in-person banding when it is safe to do so.”
The total Save Our Brass Bands fundraising figure is set to increase further as more bands complete their fundraising campaigns. To support a band please visit crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-brass-bands.
The Brass Band Emergency Fund is awarded on a rolling basis while funds are available. Bands wishing to apply should contact sarah@bbe.org.uk.