We’re extremely saddened about the closure of The Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI), not only what it means for their organisation and staff, but also what it signifies for the wider infrastructure sector.
This news will come as a further blow to small charities, after the Small Charities Coalition closure last year.
The FSI has been a trusted partner to NCVO for several years, delivering our popular shared e-learning course, and more recently partnering to deliver the legacy of the Small Charities Coalition. Together we have created a joint membership offer for small charities and have been delivering Big Advice Days. We’ve also worked together to create a Small Charities Advisory Panel. Through this panel we have set a vision whereby all small charities can thrive.
We are committed to ensuring the specialist support The FSI provides is not lost and will work with The FSI trustees, partner organisations and funders over the coming weeks to find the best solutions going forward. We were already working to deliver the Small Charity Week campaign with The FSI this year and are actively talking to our civil society group partners about this.
Infrastructure is a vital part of the voluntary sector ecosystem, providing support, connection and voice to government, so charities can focus on delivering their mission. These are all crucial during crisis, but we also know the current cost-of-living crisis means that voluntary organisations have to carefully account for every penny spent.
We have flagged our concerns to DCMS about the sustainability of voluntary sector infrastructure following the closure of two national infrastructure bodies and in light of the 360 Giving report.
For any small charities who are worried, NCVO runs the Small Charity Helpdesk. You can call 020 7520 2552 on weekdays from 9:30am to 5:30pm or email knowhow@ncvo.org.uk.
