At a recent sector event, concerns were raised that funders are reluctant to give to smaller charities as there is a fear that these small charities will close down. It was felt that in order for these smaller charities to survive they have to then rely on short-term funding from a number of different sources, which can often be difficult to obtain. It is argued by some that a new representative body should be created for these smaller charities so that they can obtain the funds they need without complications.
Gary Beharrell, regional manager of Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, raised a good point that these smaller charities already have the issue of needing to retain staff and plan for the long-term, and so applying for short-term funding can be ‘difficult and time-consuming’ as they may not have the relevant staff and resources to do so.
Chloe Knott, manager of the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation has said
We rely on a wide range of grant-giving trusts and the government just doesn't sit within that and it should be government that is supporting small charities to try and grow and get better services within the charity sector.
So, there are Calls for the government to provide better support to these smaller charities.
Funders ‘afraid’ of supporting smaller charities, says charity leader.