Applications are now open to become the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Charity of the Year for 2025-2026.
Each year, the Chamber supports a charity based within the Black Country, with the most recent fundraising efforts supporting Black Country Mental Health and YMCA Black Country.
Fundraising efforts have included a raffle at the Chamber’s annual awards dinner and in September, the Chamber team collectively walked 50,333 steps per day, the equivalent of climbing the three peaks. In May 2025, Chamber CEO Sarah Moorhouse will take part in the National Three Peaks Challenge with the YMCA Black Country Group team.
But the Chamber’s partnership with charities goes beyond fundraising, by building connections with members, stakeholders and audiences. The partnership aims to unlock further value for the charity by raising awareness of their cause and fundraising projects.
Organisations applying to be the Chamber’s next Charity of the Year must be a stand-alone charity with their own UK registered charity number, reach beneficiaries within the Black Country region, never have been a Chamber charity of the year previously, and not be affiliated to any political party.
Applicants will be asked to provide a short overview of the purpose of their charity and why they think they should become the Chamber’s next Charity of the Year.
As part of the application process, charities will also be asked to include details of any fundraising events they have planned and how they plan to engage with the Chamber to make the partnership successful.
The closing date is 31st January 2025 and successfully shortlisted charities will be invited to an interview with a panel of Chamber employees and board members.
The Chamber’s new Charity of the Year will be announced in March, with the new partnership running 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2026.
Black Country Chamber CEO Sarah Moorhouse said:
“The Chamber’s mission is to work with a good cause in the region to create a legacy beyond the 12-month partnership.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a Black Country Charity to raise their profile, engage with our members as well as raise vital funds to contribute to their work.”
To apply, please visit: www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/charity