Tag: voluntary sector

Emergency fund injects over £3m into the city’s third sector

Charities losing funding from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) are to receive urgent support from the City of Edinburgh Council.

One-off funding of £2.037m will be provided to 46 organisations and projects across Edinburgh which are working to prevent poverty and support vulnerable residents.

An additional £1m will help six third sector advice providers to support residents to maximise their income through accessing welfare benefits, reducing everyday living costs including debt management and improving access to work.

A grant has also been provided to support the continued development of the Edinburgh Advice Network.

The decision by the Policy and Sustainability Committee this week (Monday 12 May) will allow funds to be released to prevent the closure of a number of organisations and avert the redundancies of many employees.

Decisions on how to allocate an outstanding £423,400 will be made when Councillors meet again later this month (Tuesday 27 May).

The emergency package of support is provided ahead of a long-term review of the relationship between the Edinburgh Partnership, public sector and third sector in Edinburgh, with the aim of improving funding certainty in future years.

As part of this review, the Edinburgh Partnership is asking voluntary organisations, social enterprises and charities to participate in an online consultation. Workshops will also take place in the coming weeks.

Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said:
“The third sector provides vital support to our local communities, and we need to provide stability to projects which have been put at risk of closure. Our funding will quickly and directly prevent many charities from redundancies and from reducing the very important services they provide.

“While I’m pleased that we’ve reached a decision to prioritise this work – and to make sure we protect more people from entering poverty – we cannot become complacent. We need longer-term change so that organisations like these, and the many residents who rely on them, are at less risk and have greater stability.

“We want to hear about how we can make helping vulnerable people simpler. Please take part in the consultation we’ve recently launched, as the Edinburgh Partnership seeks views on strengthening our city’s third sector.”

In a deputation to Policy and Sustainability Committee, Bruce Crawford, CEO of EVOC and speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group said:
“The decisions made by Councillors to support these third sector organisations shows a real understanding of the role that the third sector play in communities across Edinburgh.

“The impact that these Resilience Fund payments will make cannot be underestimated in the way that they will support some of the most vulnerable people in our city.

“These grants will provide stability to the organisations in receipt of them and allow them to continue to serve their local communities. Longer term solutions need to be developed, and we are prepared to work with the council in planning for the future, beyond the current financial year.”

Visit the Council’s website for more information about the Third Sector Support Review, the one-off Third Sector Resilience Fund and to access cost-of-living support.

Full list of organisations and projects confirmed to receive urgent funding from the Third Sector Transitional Fund:

1. ACE IT Scotland
2. Art in Healthcare
3. B Healthy Together
4. Bridgend Farmhouse
5. Calton Welfare Services
6. Care for Carers
7. Caring in Craigmillar
8. Community Renewal Trust
9. Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
10. Drake Music Scotland
11. Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
12. Edinburgh Community Food
13. Edinburgh Community Health Forum
14. Edinburgh Headway Group
15. Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
16. Eric Liddell Community
17. Feniks
18. Fresh Start
19. Health All Round
20. Home-Start Edinburgh West and South West (HSEW)
21. LGBT Health and Wellbeing
22. Libertus Services
23. MECOPP
24. Murrayfield Dementia Project
25. Pilmeny Development Project
26. Pilton Equalities Project – Mental Health
27. Pilton Equalities Project – Day Care
28. Portobello Monday Centre
29. Portobello Older People’s Project
30. Positive Help
31. Queensferry Churches Care in the Community
32. Rowan Alba Limited
33. Scottish Huntington’s Association
34. Sikh Sanjog
35. South Edinburgh Amenities Group (SEAG)
36. The Broomhouse Centre (The Beacon Club)
37. Vintage Vibes Consortium
38. The Dove Centre
39. The Health Agency
40. The Living Memory Association
41. The Open Door
42. The Ripple Project
43. The Welcoming Association
44. Venture Scotland
45. VOCAL
46. Waverley Care.

Edinburgh Partnership launches review of longer-term support for the city’s third sector

The Edinburgh Partnership is conducting a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations in Edinburgh.

The review into the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh seeks to improve funding certainty in future years. This includes how grant funding and commissioning is delivered, how third sector organisations monitor and report on their work, and what in-kind support is provided.

Third sector organisations of all types – voluntary, social enterprises and charities – are being asked to share their views through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub survey or by attending a workshop.

The results will be reported to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August.

Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said: “The third sector provides vital support to local communities, with many giving direct support to the most vulnerable in our city. 

“We know that they, like the Council, are under significant financial pressure and that there needs to be longer-term change in how they are supported by us and our partners.

“We want to hear about how we can make it simpler, provide more stability, and work better together to help vulnerable people. You can share your views through the council’s consultation hub webpage, or by attending one of the workshops.”

Workshops run from Monday 19 May until Thursday 5 June. Details are available on the Consultation Hub and booking is required.

As part of the city’s commitment to help the sector, the council has dedicated £3.5m this year to help organisations impacted by unexpected loss of grant funding or reduced commissioning.

Visit the Council’s website for more information about the Third Sector Resilience Fund.

Foysol Choudhury MSP calls for pause on mental health service cuts to allow for Strategic Review

Lothians list MSP, Foysol Choudhury, has called for an immediate pause on proposed cuts to vital community mental health services in the city, urging the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) to undertake a thorough strategic assessment of the city’s mental health provision.

The Labour MSP argues that the current decision-making process lacks the necessary time and consideration to evaluate the long-term impact on those who rely on these essential services.

The call comes in response to proposed cuts, including the potential cancellation of a £188,000 contract with Change Mental Health for the Thriving Spaces and Places initiative leaving 650 people with mental health challenges and mental health illness without support, Foysol Choudhury MSP, emphasised the need for proper planning, engagement with stakeholders, and an evidence-based approach to reforming mental health services in Edinburgh.

Nick Ward, CEO of Change Mental Health, a charity which runs services under the Thriving Spaces and Places initiative, has strongly criticised the approach taken by the EIJB, highlighting the flaws in both the economic and clinical rationale behind the cuts.

He stated: “On economic, clinical, and process grounds, the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board has approached this all wrong. It’s outrageous and short-sighted that vulnerable people will not be getting the support they need.

“Thrive and the wider Edinburgh third sector recognise the tight budgetary environment and the case for reform. However, this is not about scrapping services entirely. It’s about working together to redesign services that meet the needs of our communities.

“Removing the services will not remove the need and will just shift it to more expensive NHS services. We estimate that the Stafford Centre alone saves the NHS £4 million a year at a cost of only £188,000.

“The decision to remove funding risks undermining the stability and quality of services that so many depend on. It would be devastating to the population of Edinburgh.

“This approach, if carried forward, would leave Edinburgh as an outlier in Western Europe, where other cities continue to support community-based mental health services as an essential part of their healthcare systems.

“We call upon the EIJB and in particular the councillors on it, to reject this self-defeating proposal and instead work collaboratively with the third sector to redesign services to save money and deliver support for our city’s most vulnerable.”

Foysol Choudhury MSP pointed out that the proposal threatens to destabilise key services such as drop-in support, carer services, and veteran support, which have been fundamental in improving the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of Edinburgh residents.

The lack of consultation and the rushed timeline undermine the collaborative approach that was promised after earlier breakdowns in communication with third-sector partners.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “This is not just an issue for those directly impacted by these cuts. It is a question of public health, social cohesion, and responsible governance.

“Do Councillors, MSPs, and MPs across Edinburgh fully understand the magnitude of the decisions being made in their names? The risks associated with these cuts are profound, and it is crucial that we pause to reassess the long-term impact on mental health provision and the health system as a whole.”

Foysol Choudhury MSP concluded by calling for urgent engagement with the third sector, health professionals, and local communities to ensure a sustainable and effective redesign of services that meets the needs of the city’s population.

Mr. Choudhury also suggested a full review of the process before any further cuts are made.

Commitment to safeguarding democracy

Civic, faith, trade unions and political leaders commit to action

Civic, faith, trade union and political leaders have committed to taking action to safeguard Scotland’s democracy and tackle people’s feeling of being unheard and disempowered.

At a gathering of representatives from across society, the First Minister described the pledge as demonstrating a ‘strength of unity’ which reflects the democratic values felt by communities across the country. 

Today’s event saw more than 50 leaders meet in Glasgow to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system. Across the day, there were focused discussions, moderated by civic leaders, on four key themes which are contributing to a breakdown in democratic trust, including:

  • combating inequality and discrimination
  • tackling disinformation and ensuring a trusted media environment  
  • enhancing trust in politics and boosting the accountability of political leaders and democratic institutions
  • strengthening vigilance to electoral interference and encouraging more active democratic participation

Following discussions, participants considered a mission statement that seeks to provide a framework that can underpin specific actions and solutions to help tackle some of the issues identified.  

The statement reads:  

STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTING DEMOCRACY IN SCOTLAND 

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard Scotland’s democracy. 

We recognise many people in our country feel distant from politics or failed by society. They feel unheard and disempowered.  

We recognise also that much of our public discourse has become polarised and soured. 

Our starting point has been a recognition of that reality and, alongside this, a recognition also that the solutions, which will be manifold and complex, require a collective response. 

We have a shared responsibility to map a way forward for Scotland, which is why we are committed to working together to ensure that our democratic structures evolve to meet our democratic ideals and are both trusted and robust. 

There are certain fundamental principles and values that are already part of our understanding of Scottish democracy, rooted in the creation of the Scottish Parliament, that we believe should shape and guide our work. 

These are: 

Participation and openness 

The sharing of power 

Accountability 

Equal opportunity 

We stand together on these principles and values, recognising that they offer both a foundation on which to build and markers to guide this next stage of our nation’s democratic journey. 

I pledge my support. 

Speaking after the event, First Minister John Swinney said: “Our discussion was incredibly powerful and equally inspiring.

“I am grateful to the many representatives from across Scottish society who shared their honest reflections on the challenges we face, alongside their absolute determination to work together to ensure we stand up for the values and principles we hold so dear. 

“Today’s event is a pivotal moment for Scotland as we demonstrate our shared commitment to democracy but to make that a reality, we must now work at pace to ensure targeted action delivers results.

“By coming together, we have started that process, with all participants committed to developing actions that can address some of the root causes of the challenges facing our country. I pledge my government’s absolute support for that work, to ensure we leave no stone unturned in identifying solutions and empowering the disempowered who so often feel left behind. 

“We can only protect the rights of each citizen, if we protect, strengthen and renew our democratic values. By reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding democracy in Scotland, we have demonstrated a strength of unity which will guide us in our actions.” 

Following the gathering, political and civic leaders taking part in the press conference pledged their support for the statement. They are: 

  • Anas Sarwar MSP – Leader, Scottish Labour  
  • Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP – Leader, Scottish Liberal Democrats  
  • Patrick Harvie MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party  
  • Lorna Slater MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party Leader  
  • Ash Regan MSP – Alba parliamentary leader  
  • Roz Foyer – General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress 
  • Sara Thiam – Chief Executive of Prosper  

All delegates attending the gathering have been invited to take the statement to their organisation to seek agreement for pledging their support. Work will now be developed in partnership with participants to ensure actions are agreed and taken forward.  

EIJB funding crisis averted: Third Sector Emergency Resilience Fund opens tomorrow

Charities due to lose funding from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) will be able to apply for emergency support from the City of Edinburgh Council.

A one-off Third Sector Resilience Fund will launch tomorrow (Friday 28 March) and will remain open for two weeks. It will only be open to organisations in Edinburgh directly impacted by the closure of the EIJB’s third sector grants programme and applications must be made by 12 noon on Friday 11 April.

This package of support will include a funded programme worth £1m to allow third sector advice providers to continue to offer income maximisation, debt, and welfare advice services previously funded by the EIJB grants programme.

Applications will be reviewed and reported to a special meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Monday 12 May, with the intention of releasing funds in June.

Further work is progressing to review the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh, to improve funding certainty in future years.

Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “Many of these local charities are at the forefront of helping those in our city with the greatest need. We’ve urgently been working to provide a lifeline to those affected by the closure of the previous grants programme, and I’m really pleased that we’ve found a way forward.

“This fund should provide enough money to potentially support all 64 affected organisations for up to nine months. It must be said that this is a one-off emergency fund – we need to act quickly, and I urge applications to be made as soon as possible.

“Alongside this we must develop a stronger way of supporting the third sector in our city. We recognise that the EIJB, like the Council, is under significant financial pressure and there needs to be longer-term change.

“Tackling poverty and inequality is one of the biggest challenges we’ve set ourselves as a city and this will be a really important piece of work – for us, for our partners and for the whole third sector.”

Benjamin Napier, CEO of Citizens Advice Edinburgh, is a member of the third sector reference group which the Council has set up as it reviews the funding relationship the city has with charities.

Benjamin said: “We welcome this investment in the third sector and hope it will go some way to providing resilience, while we continue our work with colleagues across the Council to find a longer-term solution.

“We recognise the pressures on public funding and thank the Council for their efforts in securing this funding. The third sector in Edinburgh plays a vital and very cost-effective role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We look forward to strengthening the relationship between the Council and the third sector. By working together in this way, we can create real and lasting change for our citizens.”

The City of Edinburgh Council Third Sector Resilience Fund is a short term, one off, draw down resource using reserves agreed for use during 2025/26.

The fund aims to:

  • Provide financial support in 2025/26 for Edinburgh based third sector organisations significantly impacted by the closure of the EIJB Grants Programme
  • Ensure that the closure of the EIJB Grants Programme does not affect, disrupt, or delay the delivery of other grant funded or commissioned projects and services in the city during 2025/26.

Towards these aims:

  • The funding is for the period 1 July 2025 to 31 March 2026, whilst the wider review of the Council’s approach to supporting the third sector in Edinburgh is undertaken during 2025/26
  • Is intended to ensure the viability and survival of the third sector organisations whilst a new sustainable long-term approach, aligned with the Council’s Business Plan priorities, is developed for implementation from 2026/27 onwards
  • Not intended to provide costs associated with closure of an organisation because of the loss of EIJB grant funding, and
  • Not intended to be used for delivery of any specific projects or services that would be the direct function of the EIJB(noting that this fund will provide resilience until such time as the EIJB’s Strategic Plan is published and any future procurement processes are confirmed and made available to the 3rd sector).

Please email policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk for the full criteria for the fund and to apply.

MSP Calls for Greater Support and Funding Clarity for Local Community Organisations

Foysol Choudhury MSP Stands with Unsung Community Heroes in Edinburgh

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, calls for greater support and funding for local community organisations in Edinburgh, such as the Polish Family Support Centre, following a series of ruthless budget cuts from the Scottish Government.

Foysol Choudhury MSP has issued a heartfelt and urgent appeal for greater support and funding for local community organisations in Edinburgh. During a recent visit to the Polish Family Support Centre, Mr. Choudhury emphasised the critical role these organisations play in encouraging community cohesion and providing essential services to underrepresented groups.

This comes after the Scottish voluntary sector was struck with further budget cuts. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have revealed that real-term cuts to public funding have surmounted to over £177m since 2021, where more than 76% of third-sector organisations report financial challenges because of inflation and rising costs.

These cuts are not just numbers; they represent the struggles of countless individuals and families who rely on these vital services.

This situation may only worsen with changes to employers’ National Insurance contributions, imposed by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which could leave the sector with another £75m to find each year.

In his recent visit to the Polish Family Support Centre, Mr. Choudhury witnessed significant challenges due to limited funding and resources.

As a one-stop-shop for all, the Polish Family Support Centre provides a wide range of services, including professional counselling, workshops, and support groups, all aimed at helping Polish families and individuals navigate the complex nature of life in Scotland.

However, the Centre’s ability to expand its reach and impact has been drastically obstructed by financial constraints. According to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, the Polish Family Support Centre has lost hundreds of thousands in funding, and with over 4,040 yearly sessions in 2023 – an increase of 2,000 from 2018 – it is clear that the Polish Family Support Centre needs further backing.

Other community organisations such as the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, Milan SWO, Edinburgh Diwali, the Bihari Community of Scotland, and other third sector organisations are also crying out for support.

Mr. Choudhury’s call to action comes at a time when many third-sector community organisations struggle to secure funding and resources. He has been a vocal advocate for these groups, hosting roundtable discussions at the Scottish Parliament to address the current funding model and barriers to access.

Here, the Scottish Government and other public bodies need to take a fair funding approach, moving to inflation-based settlements of three years or more, which consider costs such as uplifts in the real living wage.

Community organisations, such as the Polish Family Support Centre, continue to exist as a symbol of hope for the people of Edinburgh, driven by a mission to support and empower individuals and families.

Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Community organisations exist as the backbone of our society. They offer vital services, from psychological support to advocacy, yet they remain overlooked and underfunded.

“It is crucial that we recognise their contributions to our community and provide them with the necessary support to continue their work.

“Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland must address the barriers to funding and ensure that smaller community-based organisations have access to the resources they need, as their work is crucial in promoting social inclusion and supporting minority groups.

“I urge everyone from policymakers to residents, to recognise the invaluable work these organisations do. They are not just service providers; they are the heart and soul of our communities.

“By supporting them, we are investing in a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient society. Let’s come together to ensure that nobody is left behind.”

Scottish voluntary sector dealt £177million real-terms funding cut 

Public sector spending on the third sector in Scotland has frozen

Public sector funding to Scotland’s voluntary sector has dropped by £177million in real terms since 2021, a new report has found.  

Research by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) shows the amount of public money provided to third sector organisations froze between 2021 and 2023.  

The SCVO ‘Public Sector Funding’ research report found a 5% cut in real-terms funding, meaning organisations across Scotland are being asked to continue providing vital frontline services with a pot of money now worth less.  

SCVO has consistently called for public bodies to implement a new Fair Funding model to help charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises to thrive and provide greater security for our people.  

The national membership organisation for the voluntary sector said this must include longer-term funding of three years or more, and sustainable funding that includes inflation-based uplifts, full cost recovery, including core operating costs, and pay uplifts.  

Public sector funding – around half of which comes from local authorities, and a third of which comes from the Scottish Government – should also accommodate paying staff at least the Real Living Wage, which organisations in receipt of public money are required to pay their staff. 

SCVO also continues to push for funding to include provision for the additional costs that medium and large voluntary sector employers will face as a result of increases to Employer National Insurance Contributions.  

The calls for Fair Funding come at a time when voluntary sector organisations are increasingly required to make use of their reserves, with SCVO research showing a decline in cash reserves – particularly in those organisations who deliver public sector contracts.  

These pressures, including the real-terms cut in public sector funding, underline the need for the Scottish Government and other public bodies to implement Fair Funding across the country.  

SCVO Chief Executive, Anna Fowlie, said: “We know the times are tight for the public sector, and we appreciate that in that context even standstill funding is sometimes seen as a win.   

“However, at a time when demand for support from voluntary sector services is rising, including as a result of cuts in public services, it is simply unsustainable to expect the voluntary sector to find the £177million shortfall that these figures tell us our sector is facing. 

“Voluntary organisations do not have ready access to other sources of funding: public fundraising and trading income has also been impacted by the cost of living crisis. That leaves many organisations using their reserves to fund this deficit, which may provide a temporary solution, but over the long term is wholly unsustainable.” 

SCVO Head of Policy and Research, Kirsten Hogg, added: “In addition to rising demand and rising costs, voluntary sector employers face additional pressures going into the new financial year.   

“Medium and large voluntary organisations that employ staff will be hit by changes to employers National Insurance contributions, leaving the sector to find at least an additional £75m annually.   

“Against the backdrop of reduced real terms budgets, and a lack of other sources of income, it is little surprise that nearly one in ten of Scotland’s 46,500 voluntary organisations is unsure whether or not they will still be operating in 12 months’ time.” 

PublicSectorFunding2025Download

https://scvo.scot/research/reports/public-sector-funding

EVOC: The Future’s Looking Brighter

It is the 21 February and the days are getting longer but more importantly, the future is looking brighter (writes EVOC CEO BRUCE CRAWFORD).

EIJB Fund Cuts

On Thursday (yesterday) the City of Edinburgh Council held a full Council meeting. I was in attendance to make a deputation on behalf of the voluntary organisations impacted by the cuts by the EIJB grants programme for social care.

This followed months of work by colleagues from across the sector who have worked tirelessly for the affected organisations. The work was largely done by members of the Third Sector Reference Group that came into existence after the EIJB meeting on 1 November which led to a three month extension to June 2025.

The eventual outcome is that the £4.5m grants programme has been replaced for the next financial year, so services can continue to be delivered to many of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Further work needs to be done in the coming weeks and months to help the officers to create the mechanism for disbursement of the funds.

I want to thank all the individuals who contributed to this success, it is evidence of the need to work together, focus on the needs of our communities and stand up for what is right.  I hope that we can build on the experience to generate continued investment into the sector as this will not be the last challenge we face.

A key function of EVOC is advocacy and this includes responding to consultations on proposed legislation and strategies. A current example of this is the draft Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board’s strategy 2025-28.

We have published information on our work in this area on our website. It includes a presentation and a video that explains the draft strategy.

 To inform our response we have asked a number of questions through an online survey.  Despite our request for an extension, the deadline from the EIJB is this Sunday (23 Feb 2025) and there is still no easy read version available. 

We encourage everyone who is interested in, or affected by this, to submit a response here.

Looking Forward

On 29 January I attended my first EVOC board meeting and found it to be useful and productive in equal measures. In the spirit of openness and transparency the directors unanimously agreed to my proposal to publish minutes of EVOC board meetings on the website. The minute of that meeting can be found here.

Following the challenges faced by EVOC in 2024 we created a recovery plan and are well on the way to developing a more robust and resilient organisation.

Some key changes are: improved policies and procedures, greater financial scrutiny and forecasting, better communication, along with a new risk management policy and risk register and a new strategic plan that focuses on the core purpose of the organisation to serve the needs of the sector. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the survey that we issued last month to inform our understanding of the needs of our members. We received a great deal of useful feedback and it will help our thinking as we develop the strategic plan for EVOC for 2025-2030.

Finally I am looking forward to our AGM on 26 February.

It is being held online to help make attendance as easy as possible. Details of how to register for the meeting are available here.

Scots charities forced to draw from reserves despite funding stabilisation 

New research from SCVO outlines the state of the sector’s finances

Charities across Scotland have continued to draw on their reserves “unsustainably” despite funding from government staying relatively stable, new research shows.  

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has published its latest research, State of the Sector 2024, which shows the challenges which organisations across Scotland continue to face.  

The paper, which contains key figures and trends from the Scottish voluntary sector, shows funding from government has stayed relatively stable, while income from the public has to a large extent recovered after being hit hard by Covid. 

Unfortunately, for many voluntary organisations inflation and expenditure rises have matched and outpaced these hard-won gains. 

While most organisations were able to stay in the black, the margins are wafer-thin and there has been a steady rise in the numbers of organisations ending the year with a deficit. In 2023, 45% of charities spent more than they managed to generate. 

These narrow margins and rising deficits have seen charities continue to draw on their reserves unsustainably while they try to identify new sources of funding or have to consider reducing services – link to Reserves doc and Tracker. 

SCVO also published a review of Scottish voluntary organisations’ financial reserves, which found the value of the funds looked after by the sector fell by £1billion between 2021 and 2023. 

The average value of funds held by large charities fell by £5million, from £17m in 2021 to £12m in 2023. 

Half of medium and large charities now have less than six months expenditure in reserves and nearly 1 in 3 large charities has less than three months of expenditure in reserves. 

Ilse Mackinnon, SCVO Research Officer, said: “It’s been sobering looking at charities’ accounts this year and seeing just how tight finances are for many. People have been telling us via the Tracker and anecdotally that things are tough, but it’s another thing seeing the figures in black and white.   

“It’s great that many income streams have recovered but we also saw essentials like energy bills, rents and staff costs shoot up, sometimes to double what they were the previous year.  

“We can see the impact of that on reserves, with many charities struggling to meet costs and keep enough cash back for emergencies.” 

EVOC: No Time to Lose

A Third Sector Response to the Draft EIJB Strategic Plan for 2025-28

In response to the EIJB consultation inviting people and organisations to have a say on the draft Strategic Plan for 2025 – 28, the Third Sector Reference Group is working on a contribution on behalf of our sector.

This is another in a series of actions in light of the future funding crisis third sector organisations are facing across the city.

Download the draft Strategic Plan

Take Action

Your input to this response is vital and we would ask any and all third sector groups and organisations to share your hopes, fears and priorities, by answering the 9 questions in this short survey.

You are also encouraged to submit a separate response individually, feeding back on the identified priorities, planned actions and measures of success.

You can find out more and submit a response to the consultation here.

Please be aware that the deadline for the consultation submission is extremely tight – Sunday 23rd Feb 2025. 

This is strongly influencing the actions we are focusing on to deliver the best outcome for the sector.

The Reference Group has pulled together several resources that you might find useful:

EIJB draft Strategic Plan 25-28Download