By Amber Shotton, SIDCN Chair of Trustees In May I had the opportunity to attend Day 1 of the Global Partnership Conference arranged by the FCDO, South African Government, CIFF and BII. Firstly, we were only one of a few infrastructure organisations that received an invitation, which were very much in demand. And whilst the location and agenda wasn’t shared until the last minute, expectations were cautious but quietly hopeful. It was an early start - 4.30am to get to Woolwich

As part of our stories marking International Women’s Day this month, we are highlighting the life-changing impact of access to healthcare for women and communities around the world. SIDCN member, Cataracts Are Curable , have funded more than 2,000 cataract operations in The Gambia since 2019 and we’re grateful to them for sharing more about their work with us this month. Discovering the hidden impact of blindness Some years ago, while working with an educational charity in th

On 31 January 2026, more than 80 members and friends of the sector joined us online for the SIDCN AGM. It was a brilliant opportunity to catch up with members, make new connections, share updates from the network, and learn from a fantastic group of guest speakers. Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend. We were really encouraged to see so many organisations represented and hope everyone enjoyed the event as much as we did. Highlights From the Day Alongside network

With International Women’s Day just around the corner, we’re sharing Stella’s story – a journey shaped by family sacrifice, opportunity, and determination. From a young girl at risk of leaving school to becoming a leader in neonatal nursing, she’s proof that when you give a girl a seat in the classroom, you aren't just changing one life, you're changing the world she builds around her in the future. Thanks to the Mamie Martin Fund , a valued SIDCN member organisation, for sh

Coalition Child Support Association (CcSa) is a locally rooted Ethiopian NGO working to support vulnerable children and families affected by poverty, conflict, and climate-related crises. Established to respond to unmet needs, CcSa delivers humanitarian assistance alongside longer-term livelihoods, food security, HIV/AIDS care, and climate resilience programmes. Local Action in Times of Crisis In recent years, escalating conflict and displacement have driven CcSa’s emergency

Joint Statement from SIDCN and SWIDN . One week on from the Big Give Christmas Challenge, we’ve been reflecting on what small and medium global solidarity charities across the UK achieved this festive season. Together, SIDCN and SWIDN are sharing a joint statement on our members’ fundraising outcomes, what they reveal about public support for global solidarity, and why this moment matters. We invite you to read the full statement below.

By Amber Shotton, SIDCN Chair of Trustees So, we’re a month on from my first blog on our recent trustee recruitment, which you can read here if haven’t already. At that point we had received 57 applications, invited 23 to interview, and carried out first and second stage interviews. By then, we had a shortlist of five. Five people who we felt would not only bring a different dimension and skill/expertise to the board, but would also be a great fit with the board and culture.

By Olivia Barker White Earlier this month myself and Lizzy Bird, SIDCN Treasurer, had the opportunity to attend the AidEx and Development2030 conference in Geneva. AidEx is the global humanitarian aid event, bringing together NGOs, UN agencies, governments, donors, suppliers, and social enterprises to connect, share ideas, and showcase innovations that support humanitarian and international development work. We were attending as trustees and representatives of Small Internat

By Ubbah Othman Trustee Week is more than a celebration: it’s a moment to recognise the people quietly shaping impact behind the scenes. Trustees don’t always get the spotlight, but their guidance, decisions, and steady commitment keep charities moving forward. For me, it’s a time to reflect on what that responsibility truly means, and what I’ve learned from watching it in action through my time with SIDCN. A Year of Observation and Inspiration Spending the past year, shadowi

You may have noticed that SIDCN has recently been on the look-out for new trustees. Amber Shotton, SIDCN's Chair of Trustees, shares insights, encouragements and lessons learned from the process... SIDCN’s trustees serve a two-year term, renewable up to three times, and as I approach the end of my second term as Chair, succession planning is at the forefront of my mind. One of the key priorities for me is ensuring SIDCN continues to have a diverse mix of Trustees as well as f

As you’ll likely know, one of SIDCN’s main aims as a network organisation is to connect. Bringing small global charities together is a big part of who we are, and we love any opportunity to help members and individuals connect and collaborate. Earlier this year, we introduced one of our members, The Kula Foundation , to Shaina, a volunteer looking to gain hands-on experience in the charity sector. What followed has led to tangible progress on Kula’s sustainability work and g

By Zimbabwe Educational Trust (ZET) Almost half of Zimbabwe’s children grow up without a birth certificate. Without legal identity, they...

We hear from Mikuyu Tanzania , as their Managing Director, Julian Page, shares the who , what , and why behind their recent name change....

Julie Smith from Netball Development Trust , takes us behind the scenes as she reflects on her first six weeks as their inaugural...

This year’s SIDCN Fest is just around the corner! It's taking place online on 25th June and we would love to see you there. Registration...

AidEx and Development2030 return to Palexpo, Geneva on 22-23 October 2025 to welcome over 3,000 attendees from UN Agencies, the EU, Red...

Thank you to those that joined our second Trustee Space forum (formerly known as governance forum) led by our trustee Janine and Ian...

Since marking International Women’s Day in March, our spotlight has stayed firmly on hidden gems - the unsung heroes making a...

It's here! We're really pleased to share our 2024 Impact Report, which you can read below. Inside you'll find highlights from a...

As we celebrate International Women's Day this year, we're shining a light on hidden gems - the unsung heroes making a difference in...