Trusts and Foundations weather the economic storm

That's the message from recent research by the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) and it's good news for the voluntary and community sector here.

Members of ACF currently manage over £30 billion in investments within the UK and provide about 10% of the annual income for the voluntary sector.

In responding to this research Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive of NICVA said:

"This is some extremely good news, amidst the gloom of the ongoing downturn in the economy. Grants are the lifeblood to so many voluntary and community organisations, allowing them to continue the work that they do."

 In support of this research are the findings of a recent Funders Survey carried out by NICVA at the end of May. Nearly half of respondents stated the recession had not affected them, with organisations like Comic Relief stating that it "has had a positive impact on the funding we have available to distribute. We did unexpectedly well on Red Nose Day."

When asked how much the income they have to distribute to the voluntary and community sector will change, again many funders reported steady or positive growth in grants. Comments included:

"Our grants this year will reach £3.25 million, an increase of 29% on 2008." - Abbey/Santander.
"At this point in time we do not consider that our annual distribution will be reduced." - Ulster Garden Villages Trust.
In addition to these positive reports all respondents, bar one, reported that their contributions to the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland would remain the same, in proportion to contributions in the rest of the UK.

To further aid discussions in this area, NICVA is inviting funders to an event on the 2 July, 9.00am - 11.30am in NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB.

To register, please contact Neil Irwin on 028 9087 7777 or email neil.irwin@nicva.org

Additional links:

http://www.grant-tracker.org/news/uk-trusts-positive-about-grant-making