NCVO Research

NCVO Research supports voluntary and community organisations by developing a strong evidence base on voluntary sector issues.

Find out about the key areas we work in including short summaries of key findings, as well as details of all our publications and events. 

What's new: December 2008

The latest edition of UK Giving is out now!  

Key findings from this report:

• Almost 28 million people gave to charity in a typical month in 2007/08.
• The amount given most frequently was £11 which has not changed significantly in four years.
• The mean average monthly amount given per donor was £33, an increase from last year.
• Only 1 in 12 donors gave more than £100 a month, yet their donations accounted for more than half of the total amount given.
• Cash giving continues to fall as usage of credit cards and direct debits increases.
• Medical research continues to be the most widely supported cause.

Find out more about UK Giving 

Download UK Giving  (PDF 363KB)

Read a summary of the key findings from UK Giving 2008 

November 2008

Economic downturn and the voluntary and community sector

On Tuesday 25 November NCVO hosted a summit bringing together 25 sector leaders and government representatives to discuss the economic crisis and its impact on civil society. Karl Wilding, Head of Research at NCVO gave a presentation at the summit and produced a paper.

• Read the presentation (PowerPoint 751KB)
• Read the full paper (PDF 92KB)
• Notes from the recession summit (PDF 28KB)

The NCVO research team found a generally thin, conflicting evidence base which leads us to conclude that any impacts are mixed: some organisations will fail; others will emerge stronger; some sectors will face increased demands, others fewer. Some income sources and costs will decline; others will increase. Evidence suggests the sector is relatively poorly capitalised and in the short-term mid-sized organisations in particular are financially vulnerable.

Government funding (grants/contracts) and donations/purchases from the public are crucial to the ability of the sector to emerge from any downturn: they account for three-quarters of total income. Evidence suggests philanthropy is relatively resilient; therefore, the funding practices and policies of statutory contractors and funders will have a major say on the health of the sector.

Key findings from the paper

• The sector’s total income does not necessarily decrease in economic downturns. 
• The sector’s assets are held by a relatively small number of organisations, mostly foundations. Therefore, many VCOs will not be directly affected by falling asset values. However mid-sized organisations in particular have been unable to build surpluses and therefore reserves. These organisations in particular are susceptible to short-term falls in income.
• The largest organisations are more capable of resilience.  And smaller or less established organisations are the ones more likely to suffer hardship.
• VCOs do not have sufficient reserves to withstand an even relatively short downturn. Many medium-sized charities do not have enough reserves for 12 months.
• Government funding policies, practices and attitudes are crucial.
• Charitable giving from individuals does not fall in economic downturns but corporate giving varies with economic performance. 
• Some VCOs are cutting staff, but this may not be widespread. 
• Donors focus giving on existing recipients during downturns, implying that those organisations or sub-sectors already attracting widespread support will emerge stronger. 

More about the economic downturn

The research team has also bookmarked a variety of articles and papers about the economic downturn and it’s relation to the voluntary sector on delicious.com. Visit the website to read more.

October 2008

Charity Leaders' confidence falls in worsening economic climate

The third quarterly edition of NCVO's Charity Forecast survey was launched on 15 October. Results show that Charity Chief Executives and trustees are less confident about their future than three months ago.

The survey was compiled in August 2008, and its findings are particularly relevant in the wake of the Icelandic banking crisis.

The report is on sale now, and is kindly supported by Chantrey Vellacott DFK.

• Order the report 
• Find out more about the report 
• Read the press release 

Third Sector Skills Research 2008: Further evidence and recommendations on skills gaps

This new qualitative research study was published by the UK Workforce Hub and NCVO in July 2008 .

It follows on from the Voluntary Sector Skills Survey 2007 published in October 2007.

The research outlines:

•  What skills gaps third sector organisations are currently experiencing
• How employers in the sector assess and respond to these skills gaps
• How employers highlight and address the challenges of skills development.

Further details

• Find out more about Third Sector Skills Research 2008
• Download the Executive Summary: Third Sector Skills Research 2008 (pdf 37Kb) 
• Order the full report 

Contact us

Email the Research Team or if your question is in a specific area read about us to find the best person to help you.