In this challenging economic climate, all charities face a perfect storm – reduced access to funding at a time when need is growing. Times like these create impossible situations. MCO’s ability to continue to provide Acorns, a separate charity, with a subsidised home, is one of these situations.
Read more about current challenges
Cllr Felicity Cunliffe Lister has been a longstanding supporter of both charities and thanks to her help, Acorns and Mashamshire Community Office have navigated this impossible situation and have found a workable way forward.
Message from MCO Trustees
“Mashamshire Community Office (MCO) and Acorns Pre-School are separate charities that have supported each other for 25 years but now face significant challenges. As funding declines and need for support rises, MCO must find new income sources or risk cuts to community services. Unfortunately, this means it can no longer offer Acorns a venue at minimal cost as the space could be used to generate essential income.
MCO plans to establish a charity shop within its building. This will create a sustainable source of income to secure future services. Surplus income will be used to create a Mashamshire Community Fund to support other local charities and groups. Acorns has been given until September 2028 to find an alternative venue, with ongoing support from MCO. Beyond 2028, Acorns will benefit from a ringfenced contribution through the new Community Fund as soon as a surplus is created.”
Read more about charity shop plans
Read more about supporting Acorns & supporting Masham below.
Support Acorns – Support Masham
This is a difficult situation for both MCO and Acorns. However, MCO recognises just how vital pre-school provision is for our community. Supporting young families to live and thrive here is essential to maintaining a healthy, balanced, and sustainable Mashamshire.
MCO regrets it is not in a financial position to continue our support for Acorns, and we are no less committed to their success. We fully stand behind them and the crucial role they play.
We encourage everyone to support the fundraising efforts of both charities – both are in need. Acorns especially will need to raise funds for new premises, and any support, whether through attending events, volunteering, donating or coming up with venue options, will make a real difference.
Looking ahead, once the new Charity Shop is established and generating income, MCO has committed to ringfencing a proportion of the Community Fund to support Acorns and wider pre-school provision in Masham.
Times are challenging for everyone, but by working together Masham can build its own solutions – solutions that meet our community’s priorities and that work for all of us. If you have skills, energy or time to offer, your community will greatly benefit from your support.
