Acts435 - Direct Giving for Those in Need

1. Acts 435 “Then they would give the money to each as any had need” Acts 4:35

2. What is it? • A resource for churches and charities serving those in need in their local community • A website connecting those in need and those who want to help, protecting anonymity and confidentiality • An opportunity to provide practical help for specific items in a simple way

3. Why was it set up? • Recognition of donor fatigue – people want their money to count. Acts 435 provides direct giving • Belief that a small gift can make a big difference in moments of crisis • Provision for unusual items, small items given to quickly

4. Key Statistics • Over 15,000 people helped since charity launched in 2010 • Over £1,450,000 gone directly to help those in need • Over 400 participating churches and charities

5. Stories • Microwave and mini fridge for family with twins in hostel • Mood lamp for little boy with ADHD – now sleeps through the night • Tent, camping stove and bicycle to support homeless bricklayer

6. The Website • Provides a simple place of exchange: • Requests for assistance posted anonymously • Donors respond by gifting money to meet the request

8. Church experiences • Some churches have received over £10,000 a year through Acts 435 to help individuals in their community • Funds they could not have raised themselves • A resource alongside other ministries to go that extra mile

9. Advocates • This is a key role • Meets with the person in need and posts request on Acts website • Can have lots of advocates, share a log-in, work through referrers • We ask advocates to let congregations know about the giving side of Acts 435 as many donors meet local requests

10. Donors • Could be anyone in the country or indeed the world • People who like to give directly to meet need - no admin or overhead costs • Donors choose which requests seem to them of greatest need and give accordingly

11. www.acts435.org.uk ‘ ...giving to anyone who has need.’