Your Weekly UK Fundraising News Catchup

A lot going on? Too busy to keep up with the latest? Never fear - here's this week's seven stories you need to know about.

1. Charity scoops digital excellence award

Art Fund's smart and unique 'Art Happens' initiative – a curated crowdfunding platform that helps pair UK museums with potential donors – has seen the long-standing UK charity bag a very well-deserved award for 'Best Use of Digital Channels in Fundraising' at the Emcees.

2. The Grand Appeal launches Wrong Trousers Day 2016

Ever walked out of the house with the wrong trousers on? On 24 June it's encouraged! Wrong Trousers Day – organised by The Grand Appeal – is asking schools, offices, groups and individuals in the South West to wear comically mismatched trousers and donate £1 to help raise funds to transform the lives of critically-ill children at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

3. Building Lives Foundation to close with loss of 16 jobs

It's disappointing to hear that the Building Lives Foundation will close at the end of June. The closure of the charity – which helps prepare young people across London for careers in the construction industry – will see the loss of 16 jobs.

4. Movember Foundation partners with Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest

The gruelling Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest urban race events now have a new and appropriate charity partner, in the Movember Foundation. Event runners will be encouraged to raise money for the well known men's health charity.

5. EDF Energy raises almost £1m for Marie Curie

The partnership between EDF Energy and Marie Curie is proving very successful, as nearly £1 million has been raised for the charity over the past three years. So far £945,000 has been collected through events including tea parties, bake sales and a climb of Kilimanjaro.

6. Afternoon Tea Week to promote tea and cake themed fundraising events

No-one can say no to a cup of tea and a few cakes – and now you don't have to! At least not on 8-14 August, when Afternoon Tea Week takes place. All charities are being encouraged to invite supporters to take part in their own afternoon tea-themed fundraising events.

7. JustGiving total raised passes $4 billion

It's been revealed that the online fundraising platform Just Giving has handled more than $4 billion – $2 billion in the last two years – for charities and good causes across the globe. A staggering amount, raised by over 26 million people who have used the site since its creation in 2001.

Have a great weekend,

Veena