Small charities need support to survive turbulent times ahead
Rita our friend at Tees Valley RCC gave us the heads up on this article. Fascinating reading about the challenges facing smaller charities many in rural areas. It tells us
Government, funders and large charities must take urgent action if small charities are to survive turbulent times ahead according to new analysis published by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales.
Facing Forward presents a candid analysis of the ten-upcoming political, economic, social and technological changes which will dramatically affect the operating landscape for the 65,000 small and medium charities working at the heart of communities across England and Wales.
With the impact of Brexit, economic uncertainty and growing pressures on local government adding unprecedented uncertainty for their futures, the analysis offers small charities a robust framework of how they can take action and adapt by diversifying their income, developing collaborations and sustaining their staff, before it’s too late.
The report also calls for clear and decisive action from other stakeholders whose actions influence the survival of small charities:
- National and local government must use appropriate commissioning processes when securing public services
- Funders must fund charities to build their capacity and effectiveness rather than constantly seeking innovation and
- Larger charities must seek to collaborate with small charities rather than compete against them for public service contracts
Aimed at the pressured, time poor CEO or Trustee of any small to medium sized charity, Facing Forward makes for essential reading for those charities battling on the frontline of public service delivery. It paints an alarming picture of a future with small charities closing and communities losing vital support at a time of growing need, if charities themselves and other stakeholders do not take action.
The message is clear – change is happening and the survival of small charities depends on their ability to prepare for the future and the support they need from others.