Meet the latest beneficiaries of The DPO Centre’s Charity Fund

We’re very pleased to announce the latest recipients of The DPO Centre’s Charity and Community Fund.

Thirty Charities and Not-for-Profit organisations from across the UK applied, each bringing unique missions and inspiring initiatives. Our dedicated charity panel, featuring team members from across the business, carefully considered each application and selected five beneficiaries following an independent vote.

Meet our latest Fund winners

MAIN – Main aims to empower children who are autistic, neurodivergent, or have a complex need to reach their full potential. They provide one-to-one support and opportunities to experience new activities through a range of clubs, as well as further support and guidance to families.

People First Dorset – Working across Dorset, this charity helps individuals with learning disabilities to connect with their community and develop their communication skills. They regularly host user-led events for around 450 people, including The Friendship Club and various Action Groups.

Career Ready – This national charity boosts social mobility by connecting young people aged 15-18 to workplace opportunities and support. They work with employers, volunteers, local authorities, and educational institutions to deliver mentoring, paid internships, and workplace visits.

Surviving Economic Abuse – SEA work in partnership with frontline organisations that directly support victim-survivors of economic abuse. Their work includes raising public awareness of economic abuse, working with sector professionals to help them identify and respond to economic abuse, working with decision-makers for legislation change, and conducting research to help develop frontline services.

Families in Focus – Based in Hertfordshire, Families in Focus provide free courses and support to parents of children with special educational needs, disabilities, and neuro-divergent conditions.

These organisations will have access to The DPO Centre’s team of experienced data protection professionals and receive practical advice and support, including compliance reviews, policy drafting, data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), and the creation and review of data sharing and data processing agreements.

Lenitha Bishop, COO of The DPO Centre, said,

‘The incredible work these charities do is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to support them through our Charity and Community Fund. By providing expert data protection guidance, we aim to help these organisations safeguard the vital work they do for their communities. Congratulations to this round’s beneficiaries – we look forward to working with you!’

Thinking of applying for the next funding round?

The DPO Centre Charity and Community Fund holds two application rounds per year. Applications for the next round of funding will open on 1 March 2025 with eligibility criteria to include:

• Charity or Not-for-Profit based in the UK
• Management committee of at least 3 unrelated people
• Bank account in the name of the Charity/Not-for-Profit
• Willingness to participate in a post-project case study

Beneficiaries receive up to £10,000 towards consultancy services but only billed for 20% of the normal fee. Unsuccessful organisations may re-apply for another round, but only one application per 12-month period will be considered.

Read more about The DPO Centre’s Charity and Community Fund.

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