A survey of more than 1,200 representatives from UK charities and community groups has found that just over one in four want more support meeting financial challenges.

Of these one in ten want specific support around improving their fundraising events and appeals, one in 14 help generating more donations and regular giving and one in 20 wanting support around grant and trust funding.

“A clear pattern here is that charities aren’t only seeking more money,” said charity specialist insurer Gambit Insurance Solutions, which has published the research.

“They are also looking for more predictable income and more capacity to pursue funding properly.”

Staff and volunteer support

Staff and volunteer issues are the second biggest area where support is needed, the research found.

This was cited as a concern among one in five respondents, with volunteer recruitment and retention, tackling staffing costs and averting burnout among staff, key areas where they would like help.

“Even where charities are coping, a lot of responses suggested it feels fragile,” said researchers.

“A handful of missed shifts, a delayed grant payment, or one key person leaving can have an outsized impact.”

One in six want help with maintaining or expanding services, one in ten want support with digital, IT and data issues, the research also found.

Meanwhile, one in 12 said they need help with premises, facilities and estates issues.

The insurer’s founder Ajay Mistry added: “Charities are not lacking ideas, ambition or commitment. What comes through clearly in this research is that many are being held back by a lack of time, headroom and practical support.

“Funding is still the biggest issue, but the findings also show how closely that links to volunteer capacity, service delivery, digital tools, premises and governance.

“When a charity does not have enough people, outdated systems, rising costs or insecure funding, it affects every part of its work.”

A survey published last month by Charity Excellence Framework found that small charities are concerned about the quality of national infrastructure support they currently receive.

Two in three respondents said that “finding support is difficult or a struggle”, with just one in 50 saying they can easily find the help they need.

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