Our channel for supporting charities is the Stepping Stone Fund. The Fund was launched in January 2001 and during its first two years we were able to support over 100 projects across the UK, all helping adults to improve their writing skills. The projects covered a wide range of needs, from the very basics to creative writing for pleasure. Many projects were undertaken by small local groups responding to a need in their own community. With our assistance they were able to put their plans into action and make a real difference.

With Government figures revealing that over 7 million adults in the UK have basic literacy problems, we are continuing to offer support for literacy through the Stepping Stone Fund for the third year. In 2003, 45 separate projects will have had a share of the £250,000 Fund.

This years fund has now closed. If you would like to register for the Stepping Stone Fund 2004 please write to the address below or email steppingstonefund@royalmail.com

Stepping Stone Fund
148 Old Street
LONDON
EC1V 9HQ
Telephone: 020 7250 2243

We welcome BT TextDirect calls. Alternative versions of the application form are available on request e.g. large print, Braille and Welsh language.

During 2003 Royal Mail also gave over £200,000 to charitable projects in the first round of donations funded from the sale of the special stamps issued to commemorate the death of H M Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 2002. Each of the 20 projects selected is managed by a charity that the Queen Mother was associated with as a patron.

Each year thousands of our employees donate to charities of their choice through the payroll giving scheme administered for us by Charities Trust. Last year they gave £2.5 million, making a total since the scheme was introduced over 12 years ago to £21million.

Donating to specific projects through the Stepping Stone Fund has proved very effective but we also recognise that charities cannot survive on donations alone. They are increasingly being expected to be more business-like and with over 200,000 registered charities in the UK, they are often in competition with each other. Training and skills enhancement are just as important to charities as they are for any other organisation.

An element of the programme is a 100 hour consultancy assignment to a voluntary sector organisation to help them with a variety of real issues such as improving the effectiveness of fund-raising strategies, developing a successful marketing and communications strategy and implementing and making the best use of information technology. For many voluntary organisations, consultancy such as this would be out of their reach so in addition to offering practical experience for participants, it is a valuable resource for the organisation.

Not-for-profit organisations, as well as those from the public and private sectors, are able to access this programme at a reduced fee due to the support of the four sponsoring companies: BNFL, BT, Royal Mail and United Utilities.