Small charities predict rise in demand but no rise in income

01 Dec 2017 News

Three in five small to medium sized charities expect to support more service users in 201, even though most do not expect any rise in income, according to research published today.

The Garfield Weston Foundation conducted research with 234 leaders of charities with incomes under £5m, and found that 59 per cent expect a rise in demand for services but 64 per cent do not expect to see a growth in income.

No time for strategy

The report also found that three quarters of leaders of small and medium sized charities are spending little or no time on long-term planning and strategy.

The research found that 62 per cent had spent just a few days in the past year in dedicated planning and strategy sessions whilst 13 per cent put no time aside at all.

Over three quarters said operational matters took up two much time. Two thirds said they lacked the budget to devote to strategy matters.

No formal policies

The report also found that most charities have no formal strategies or policies for sudden changes in circumstances.

Some 77 per cent have no plan for a sudden rise in demand for services; 72 per cent have no plan for policy changes that could impact on resources, and 64 per cent have no plan for the departure of key staff.

Skills gaps

Only 39 per cent of charities feel their staff and volunteers have all the skills required to prosper in the next five years. And 21 per cent of those surveyed said their organisation had spent no time on training to develop leadership skills.

Philippa Charles, director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: “The fact that so many charities are optimistic about helping more people in spite of financial pressures is a testament to the dedication and drive of charity leaders. However, our research shows that long-term planning is suffering. That’s exactly why the Weston Charity Awards exist – to provide a year-long programme that connects ambitious charity CEOs with a bespoke team of top business leaders.”

The research was part of the Weston Charity Awards – the foundation’s project to help small charities which provide frontline services in the fields of community, welfare and youth. Applications are considered from charities in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, the North East and Wales. Twenty charities will each win Each a year of intensive leadership coaching through the Pilotlight Programme along with £6500 in unrestricted funding.  

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