Research carried out by the Kreston Charity Group, which includes Darlington based Clive Owen LLP and James Cowper Kreston, paints a mixed picture of the current financial health of the charity sector but, with a confident outlook for the future.
The Kreston Charities Survey 2021 questioned their client charities, the responses addressed the current financial picture, use of government coronavirus support, and the future of the sector.
- More than 95% of the charities questioned believe they have been financially resilient during the pandemic, despite less than 10% previously having risk-assessed this situation.
- Almost 80% of the charities are happy with their current reserves levels.
- 65% expect income to increase from current levels.
- 97% believe they will be able to survive the next 12 months.
- Over 70% are expecting an increase in demand for their services.
- 57% have been providing more services online.
- 53% have accessed the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
- 18% have used the Coronavirus Community Support Fund.
- 60% are considering flexible working going forwards.
- Over 70% envisage a blended mix of face to face and online Trustee’s meetings in the future.
- Government support was rated at 6.7/10 overall.
The report also highlighted details of the changing working practices implemented during the pandemic that are expected to remain including flexible working, more digital and online services, and mental health and wellbeing support for employees.
A link to the full report and its conclusions is available here
Chris Beaumont, partner at Clive Owen LLP added: “The Kreston Charities Survey 2021 was carried out in unprecedented times. We wanted to provide an overview of the impact of Covid-19 on charities and their beneficiaries and most importantly how they see the future.
The findings show that some charities have been significantly impacted, especially through lost income, whilst others have found more flexibility in the way they raise and spend money.’’
Mike Farwell, Chair of the Kreston Charity Group, partner at James Cowper Kreston, and co-author of the report, said: “The good news is that there is a lot of positivity, aligned with some caution, about the way forward. What is apparent is that a clear strategy is needed with the acceptance that things may not be done in the same way they have previously been. Charities need to consider these issues as the world changes to ensure they maintain their relevance.”
Overall, the report painted a generally positive picture. As with businesses and economies globally, there can be no doubt that charities have been hit, and in some cases hit badly by Covid-19. However, the survey has highlighted the implications of the pandemic on the future of the charities that responded.
The survey was completed by a cross-section of individuals working with charities – 50% being trustees and 50% chief executives or senior managers. The income of the charities participating reflected the overall sector and the areas they work in include education, arts, culture, health and social care, community sport and grant-making.