NAVCA has today published research into the activities our
members have been taking to help local groups suffering from the
recession. The research, published as the UK officially has come
out of recession, shows a clear shift over the last year in the
activities our members are undertaking. NAVCA members are now
concentrating on providing practical support to local groups
whereas last year, at the beginning of the recession, the main
recession activities were around mapping, research and impact
reports.
The research shows that as a result of the recession our members
are undertaking extra fundraising help to local groups, providing
support and encouragement for local groups to increase
collaboration and working to inform and lobby local government to
support the needs of local groups affected by the recession.
The research also shows that although the recession may be over,
the impact for local groups is still to be fully felt. Nearly 80%
of NAVCA members feel that the coming year will be worse than the
previous year for the local third sector. This supports previous
research findings in
Crunchtime that
showed local groups felt funding cuts would come in 2010 and
2011.
Kevin Curley, Chief
Executive of NAVCA said,
"There seems to be no shortage of commentators on the recession -
it is good to see that our members are offering practical help to
local charities and community groups. The groups they are helping
are ideally placed to help those most affected by the
recession.
"My big worry is that these groups will feel the brunt of the
threatened spending cuts and I have already heard of some big cuts
in local grants budgets. Funders must understand that local
charities and voluntary organisations play a key role in delivering
early intervention and preventative support. Cutting their funding
will cost more in the longer term".
29 January 2010