It’s the last day of Small Charity Week and today is Future Day. To say it’s been a very difficult few years for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector would be an understatement. A pandemic, the cost of living crisis, climate crisis, and political turmoil continue to impact the sector both locally and nationally.
So, what does the future hold? The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) publish an annual ‘Road Ahead’ report which looks at the challenges and opportunities for the sector in the coming year. The key highlights from ‘The Road Ahead 2023: The ongoing impact of cost of living’ report includes:
- The cost of running a voluntary organisation will rise
- Voluntary sector income will be at risk
- Less public sector income
- Increasing demand from service users
- Steps you can take
£100m Emergency Fund for the Sector
On 14 June, Charities Minister, Stuart Andrew announced that the Government is working to distribute a £100m emergency fund for the sector. During the interview with Third Sector TV he commented that they were trying to get funding to the sector “as soon as possible” and that £76m would go straight to the “charities with immediate pressures in terms of increased demand and cost”. The remaining money with support charities to “become more resilient in terms of their energy”. You can read the full Third Sector article here, and we’ll share future updates with you as they become available. Please note: You will need to register (free) to access this article.
Impact of the energy crisis – have your running costs increased?
Following the Government’s latest announcement regarding the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, and this meaning very little in terms of financial support for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations, we’re asking you to let us know how the energy crisis is impacting your organisation.
By completing the following survey, which can be done anonymously, you will provide us with valuable insight and evidence. This will enable us to communicate the real impact when speaking to the media, funders, local government and other key partners about how the energy crisis is impacting, or is set to impact our local charities and charitable organisations in York.
If you require this survey in an alternative format, or you have any questions about this survey, please email: anna.boad@yorkcvs.org.uk or call 01904 621133.
Support for your organisation
Whatever the future holds for your organisation, we’re here to support you. Whether you need more volunteers, support looking for funding, guidance on changing your legal structure, or updating your policies and procedures, get in touch.
For all things volunteering contact our York Volunteers team at volunteering@yorkcvs.org.uk
For Funding and Development support, contact our Funding and Development Officer, Jane Granville at jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk