Conclusion
The Power of Small project highlights the essential role that small charities (‘Smalls’) play, offering vital services, fostering social cohesion, and responding to emerging needs with agility and deep local or cause-specific knowledge.
However, the research confirms that Smalls continue to face significant structural barriers, from the broken funding system and capacity constraints to exclusion from policy discussions and difficulties accessing practical support.
Our recommendations provide a clear and achievable roadmap for infrastructure bodies, funders, Smalls and policy makers themselves to create a more sustainable, equitable and effective environment in which Smalls can thrive.
A common theme throughout this project is that Smalls do not need more bureaucracy, more complexity, or more administrative burdens. Instead, they need simplified, accessible and practical solutions that allow them to focus on delivering impact.
Crucially, they must be recognised as experts in their own communities and causes – not patronised or sidelined, but valued as equal partners in shaping the systems that affect them.
Collective effort needed
Change is both necessary and achievable, but it requires a collective effort. Funders, policy makers and infrastructure bodies must move beyond consultation and rhetoric to implement genuine systemic reforms that make the voluntary sector more inclusive, transparent and accessible for Smalls.
If our recommendations are adopted, the sector will be in a stronger position to harness the Power of Smalls, ensuring they have the stability, resources and recognition they need to continue supporting communities, driving change and making a lasting impact.
Change from within
However, to harness the Power of Smalls, change must also come from within.
We must acknowledge the competitive dynamics that pit organisations of all sizes against each other – dynamics that too often undermine collaboration and entrench inequality. Moving forward requires courage: swallowing pride, relinquishing control where needed, and actively sharing power.
The work of this project must now lead to tangible change, ensuring that small charities – which represent 96% of the sector – are no longer left operating at the margins, but recognised and supported as a vital part of the voluntary sector’s foundation.