Britain's economy has returned to modest growth, but for many charitable organisations funding is still in perilous decline.

Government has predicted that charities could lose 25% of their funding in 2010 and the Charities Aid Foundation is reporting that four out of ten charities are already operating on less income than they budgeted for.

The Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) was created to give small charities the strategic support they need to stay open and be there for the people who needed their help.

"Both Labour and the Conservatives have made it clear that they see an increased role for charitable organisations (the 'Third Sector') in the future. The FSI will be striving throughout the Election campaign to keep third sector funding in the public eye.

The FSI was the vision of philanthropist Emma Harrison, Chairman of Government training provider A4e.

Emma made the decision to start a charity in 2007 that would allow her donations, and those of others, to advise small charities on efficient methods of fundraising and training.

"Every community in Britain benefits from the work of small charities, but public policymakers simply don't engage enough with the sector. During the election campaign we will reiterate the value, both in economic and social terms, that small charities make to our country," said Harrison.

"The FSI will use the election campaign and Small Charity Week in June to highlight these issues and ensure an ongoing dialogue between the sector and policymakers.

"Improvements have been made with cross-party support over the present parliamentary term, and we will press all parties to continue to improve the support for the sector after the election. I will be inviting the leaders of the three main parties to visit small charities during the campaign to see first hand the innovative work being done, often on a shoestring, to build a better Britain," she said.

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