Power of Small project report

Following the Power of Small project’s extensive research phase, findings were combined to inform a structured approach which focused on testing solutions in the four key areas.

Our research highlighted that small charities (‘Smalls’) face persistent barriers in accessing sustainable funding, navigating fragmented support systems, and securing representation in decision making spaces.

To address these challenges, Fair Collective associate Flóra Raffai undertook ecosystem mapping in October 2024. She wanted to gain a clearer understanding of the existing infrastructure and support, identify gaps, and streamline pathways for Smalls to access relevant support.

Flóra's report provides a comprehensive mapping of the support available to Smalls across England.

The work expanded on data originally collected by the Foundation for Social Improvement during Small Charity Week 2022. It incorporates further desk-based and crowd-sourced research.

The methodology included expanding and cleaning the dataset, visualising the information using Flourish, and analysing the types of support available.

A notable finding was the significant 270% increase in identified support organisations, with 285 unique entries now mapped across key areas such as fundraising, finance, governance, leadership and infrastructure support.

The research also introduced a new category for demographic-specific support, aiming to capture organisations led by individuals from protected characteristics.

• The ecosystem mapping findings highlighted a diverse but unevenly distributed support ecosystem, with strong local infrastructure support, but limited availability of services tailored to specific demographics or causes.
• While the majority of organisations offer free or low-cost support, there are gaps in equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and a reliance on external funding to maintain accessible services.
• The mapping underscored the fragility of the support ecosystem, particularly as Smalls depend heavily on infrastructure organisations, many of which vulnerable due to funding constraints themselves. The research suggests that strengthening these organisations through stable funding streams and advocacy could help sustain the sector.
• Additionally, regional disparities in the availability of governance, leadership and marketing support pointed to a need for more locally responsive support models.