Crafts have a vital part to play in our country and economy.
They contribute £3 billion to the UK economy and represent 13% of those employed in the UK’s creative industries.
For 21 years now QEST has been funding talented craftsmen and women to extend their skills or learn new ones! Often they cannot obtain any help whatsoever and because of this many skills are starting to disappear.
To date, with help from our many supporters, we have funded 242 scholars to the tune of £1.5 million in total. The QEST scholars have gone on to carry out many important projects in many fields. Take a look at the rest of this website and you will see the extent of the crafts, skills and projects undertaken.
Britain is a country that cherishes its heritage and enjoys beautifully made functional artefacts. For this reason craft and conservation skills are core to our national infrastructure.
QEST is the only charity of its kind that supports all craft and conservation skills, by keeping them alive through learning and support, which in turn is passed down through future generations.
We have realised that, although what we do is crucial, we are only just scratching the surface. For this reason QEST's aim is to double the number of scholarships we give annually and enable us to provide the additional services of mentoring and longer term work placements. For these reasons we will need some £2 million in extra funds.
This is where you can help and have some fun as well.
Below are some ideas:
- Personal donations are very welcome and can be very tax efficient if provided under the Gift Aid scheme. Please click our donate link.
- Sponsoring a unique event that would allow guests to go behind closed doors.
- A percentage of profit from a souvenir item planned during the Diamond Jubilee Year will make a tremendous difference to our appeal.
- A small amount given from your product range per item. Perhaps a product(s) you sell thousands of per week. Small amounts can build into substantial sums when multiplied.
- “Rounding Up” at the till for retail outlets, through credit card schemes like Pennies, would bring enormous benefit to QEST. Once set up this involves very little work.
- Donations through existing foundations and education projects would also be well received.
- Through team building events and social occasions such as participation in a fun run, sponsored walk, swim or cycle. Also entries to a marathon, dragon boat race or football competition, the list is endless and enjoyable.
QEST would welcome the chance to discuss innovative win-win fundraising ideas. Please contact Victoria Churchward at QEST on 0207 828 2268 or email info@qest.org.uk.
We look forward to working together – many thanks from the QEST Team.
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