What to Expect in 2025
Meeting the Challenges Ahead for Norfolk’s Charitable Sector in 2025
As we step into 2025, the charitable sector in Norfolk faces a series of significant challenges. At Norfolk Community Foundation, we understand the increasing pressures on local charities and are committed to supporting them as they navigate these turbulent times. From rising financial burdens to growing service demands, we see these obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as calls to action that require innovative and compassionate solutions.
Challenges Facing Norfolk Charities
One of the most immediate issues facing charities in Norfolk is the growing financial strain. Recent increases in costs, such as the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions, are placing unexpected pressure on already stretched budgets. Nationally, charitable organisations have reported that these changes could impact essential services, and Norfolk’s charities are not immune to these impacts.
Adding to the financial pressures is the intensifying competition for funding. Securing resources has always been a challenge, but with more organisations vying for fewer opportunities, the landscape has become even more difficult to navigate. Community Action Norfolk recently highlighted how this competition is escalating, making it harder for smaller charities to access the support they need to thrive. Adding to this challenge, many national and local funders have been forced to close their doors to applications, unable to cope with the weight of demand. This leaves many charities in a precarious position, struggling to secure the financial lifelines they depend on.
At the same time, the demand for charitable services is on the rise. Economic uncertainties and social challenges are driving more individuals and families to seek help. Local neighbourhood initiatives, such as Nourishing Norfolk food hubs, are becoming the first port of call for people in real distress who don’t know where else to turn. These grassroots services are under immense pressure, working tirelessly to meet the growing needs of their communities.
How Norfolk Community Foundation Is Responding
At Norfolk Community Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that our local charities have the tools and support they need to overcome these challenges. We are taking a proactive approach to strengthen the sector and enable charities to continue making a meaningful impact.
Firstly, we are looking to increase funding pools. By directing resources to critical areas identified in our 6 Missions, we aim to support charities where they need it most. We hope to be able to offer more multi-year funding commitments to allow organisations to plan with confidence and operate sustainably.
We are taking steps to make sure smaller charities can access our funding more easily. From continuing to streamline our grant application processes to providing diverse funding offers, we understand that the administrative burden can be a barrier and hope these changes will make it easier for charities to focus on their vital work.
Recognising that less money is available overall, we are forging partnerships with businesses that can complement our funding by sharing their skills, expertise, and assets. This includes brokering opportunities for charities to access resources such as warehousing, distribution, and office space. Partnerships are a powerful tool, and through initiatives like Good for Good, we aim to bring even more support to the sector. For example, the new Skills Exchange programme (an expansion of Norfolk ProHelp) enables charities to access expertise in areas like recruitment and fundraising, while also helping them strengthen their operations and become more resilient. In 2025, we will continue to grow our role as a broker of these opportunities, ensuring that charities can make the most of what the wider community has to offer.
We continue to explore creative solutions to support the sector. One such initiative is our repayable grant pilot, which we aim to extend in 2025. This innovative funding offer enables charities to secure vital growth funding when they need it most. As they repay these grants, the funds are recycled to support other charities, creating a sustainable cycle of support.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
The road ahead is challenging, but Norfolk’s charities have always been resilient and resourceful. At Norfolk Community Foundation, we are inspired every day by their dedication and are determined to stand alongside them as a partner. We will continue taking steps to ensure vital local groups can make a difference on their doorstep, from providing essential funding to helping them find support to grow, change and flourish. By taking these steps, we aim to empower our local charities to not only survive but thrive, ensuring they can continue to transform lives and strengthen our communities in 2025 and beyond.
