A Scottish organisation devoted to improving the lives of farmers in the developing world has received support from the world’s most famous living philanthropist. GALVmed will be the first Scottish charity to receive direct funding by computer tycoon Bill Gates via his funding body the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Charities will face decreased income from major donors, trusts and government as the "real recession" begins to take hold, a top investment banker and philanthropist has warned.

Just one in ten charity leaders believe that government policies will improve the operating conditions for their organisation over the next year, according to a new survey.

NCVO has invited the sector's main umbrella bodes to an emergency summit in November to try to reach consensus on a way forward for voluntary groups in light of contrasting reports on the effects the downturn has had upon the sector.