Charities across the South East are facing an existential crisis - not due to a lack of donations, but because their bank decided to play hide-and-seek with their online accounts. CAF Bank, based in West Malling, Kent, and serving over 14,000 non-profit causes across the UK, has suspended its online services since July 24 following reports of suspected cyber fraud. The result? Charities like Maidstone-based 21 Together, which supports people with Down's syndrome, can't access payroll or pay suppliers.

Chief executive Kevan Hodges, who runs a team of 13 education specialists and part-time staff, called the situation "appalling." He noted that his team has wasted days trying to reach CAF Bank, only to be told to fill out an online form that "would be looked at tomorrow." Because nothing says urgent like a vague promise for tomorrow.

Bali Rodgers, chief executive of Safer Communities Alliance, also voiced frustration. "Many grassroots organizations - churches, YMCAs, vets - have CAF as their bank, but they are slowly losing trust in it," she said. She added that information from the bank has been "very inconsistent," which is not exactly reassuring when you can't access your own money.

CAF Bank CEO Alison Taylor issued a statement apologizing for the disruption and explained that the bank is working with external experts to fix a third-party software issue. She assured customers that the core bank is not affected and that extra teams are available by phone, prioritizing time-sensitive payments like payroll. But for charities that have already spent days on hold, that might sound like a hollow promise.

In the meantime, charities are left feeling powerless, especially during summer when extra projects are running. It's almost as if the bank forgot that charities need money to, you know, do charity.