Why Fundraising Matters at MASKK
Since the beginning, MASKK has relied on grants and donations to help us deliver high‑quality childcare, child and youth activities, and community projects. While we work hard to generate our own income, fundraising is now essential. It is the only way we can cover our growing core costs – the behind‑the‑scenes essentials that keep our organisation running smoothly and allow us to keep childcare fees as low as possible.
What Do Core Costs Pay For?
Core costs are not always visible, but they are vital. Donations directly support:
- Staffing stability and development – ensuring our team is trained, supported, and able to deliver safe, inclusive, and enriching activities.
- Rent, utilities, and building maintenance – keeping our community spaces open, warm, safe, and welcoming.
- Safeguarding and regulatory compliance – paying for essential professional services, inspections, updates to policies, and the systems needed to meet legislation.
- Equipment, resources, and food – providing a well‑equipped, engaging, and nurturing environment for all children.
- Technology and administration – managing bookings, communication, safeguarding systems, and day‑to‑day operations efficiently.
- Community projects and events – offering free or low‑cost activities for families who may otherwise miss out.
These are the costs that allow everything else to happen, from wrap‑around care to creative projects, and they are increasingly difficult to fund through fees alone.
What Fundraising Makes Possible
Thanks to donations, we’ve been able to create exciting opportunities like our Creative Thursday project. This weekly activity helped local children explore theatre, build confidence, and eventually perform live on stage at the Crucible Theatre – a truly unforgettable experience.
Read more about their 2023 performance here:
https://www.maskk.org.uk/showtime-at-the-crucible/
It’s achievements like this that show how powerful community support can be.
Often, grants have to be spent by 31st March each year, but they do not release new ones until May, June or even later. This means our projects funded by Sheffield City Council will either need to stop, or we need donations to cover the gap.
Why Grants Alone Aren’t Enough
Grants play an important role in helping MASKK grow, but they cannot be relied upon to keep our day‑to‑day services running. Most grants are restricted to new or experimental projects, and they often cannot be used for the core costs that keep our organisation stable. Applications can take a long time, and not all are successful.
Fundraising provides the stability that grants do not. Regular donations allow us to plan ahead, invest in what works, and continue providing the childcare and community activities families rely on.
Support Us as an Individual, Group, or Business
MASKK welcomes support from individuals, community groups, and businesses who share our values. Whether you’re looking to make a one‑off gift, start a fundraising initiative, or explore a longer‑term partnership, your support can have a direct and lasting impact on local children and families.
If you are a business interested in supporting our work, visit our Business Sponsorship page here.
How People Already Help Make a Difference
Over the years, parents and local residents have been incredible champions for MASKK. From organising sponsored activities to setting up regular monthly donations, their efforts have helped us keep services affordable and accessible.
In 2022, one community member even trekked across the Sahara Desert to raise funds for MASKK and S2 Food Bank – a reminder of the wonderful things people can achieve when they believe in our mission.
Make Your Donation Go Even Further with Gift Aid
If you choose to donate to MASKK, we may be able to increase your gift by an additional 25% at no extra cost to you, through the UK Government’s Gift Aid scheme.
If you are a UK taxpayer, please complete our short Gift Aid declaration form so we can claim this additional support:
👉 https://www.maskk.org.uk/gift-aid-declaration/
PayPal
You can make a one-off or monthly donation securely via PayPal. You don’t have to be a PayPal member, you can use a card.
If you are already a PayPal user you can also select donate in their app and search for MASKK. There you are able to donate yourself or click’ Start a fundraiser’ and search for MASKK to create a 30 day running fundraiser page. Great if you want to do a sponsored event or activity for us. People who donate will also be able to select to Gift Aid their donation.
Give a Little by SumUp
Give A Little is another secure way of donating to MASKK. This link can be easily shared too https://bit.ly/3LNyWlj
Online you can select an amount to give, or in person at events you can donate by card too.
Give as you shop
At no cost to you Easy Fundraising allows you to raise money for MASKK while you do your online shopping.
Sign up for free and every time you use links from their website, or install their simple browser add-on, to shop at participating retailers MASKK will receive a donation.
Cash
If you are planning or attending a fundrasing event and wish to rasie money on behalf of MASKK, for example a coffee morning, we can provide a donation bucket and leaflets. When the cash is returned we’ll then count and bank it.
Fundraise For Us
Do you have a fun idea to help us raise funds so we can continue our work? Follow this link to set up your own fundraising page, which means the funds are paid directly to us. Perhaps a sponsored walk in super high heels, or shaving your head? Visit https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/fundraise/manor-after-school-kids-klub to start today.