Power of Small project report

The research phase of our Power of Small project identified four major barriers that voluntary organisations with income of less than £1m (‘Smalls’) consistently face:

1. Broken funding systems – A lack of unrestricted, multi-year funding, disproportionate application processes, and funder-driven models hinder the sustainability of Smalls.
2. Culture and power – Smalls feel underrepresented, excluded from decision making, and struggle to navigate infrastructure that they felt sometimes appeared to prioritise larger organisations.
3. Practical support – While there is a wealth of support available, many Smalls struggle to navigate it or know where to start, particularly when it comes to governance, digital tools, operations and training to build resilience and capacity.
4. Policy and advocacy – There’s a need for smalls to have a stronger voice in policy development, representation in funder decisions, and advocacy for systemic changes to funding structures.

Mental health emerged as a cross-cutting issue across all these themes. Small charity leaders highlighted the emotional toll, stress, burnout, and in extreme cases suicidal feelings associated with financial insecurity, excessive administrative burdens and lack of access to essential support systems.

The project tested four core interventions to address these challenges:

1. Ecosystem mapping – We identified gaps and overlaps in sector-wide support, highlighting regional disparities and opportunities for better coordination.
2. Funder roundtables – We opened a dialogue with funders, focusing on simplifying application processes and expanding access to long-term, and core, funding. While no commitments were made, funders recognised the need for continued engagement.
3. Digital prototype – We developed a centralised approach which enables small charities to access funding, advice and networking opportunities. Testing showed that a mix of digital and human support is needed to ensure accessibility.
4. Peer networking pilots – We explored ways to bring Smalls together to share knowledge, test ideas and reduce isolation. Rather than creating new networks, this phase focused on experimenting with light-touch, facilitated approaches – such as digital communities and informal learning spaces – and learning from what already exists.

The findings reinforced the value of structured yet flexible models, particularly those that blend online access with opportunities for in-person connection.

The Power of Small project has laid the foundation for sector-wide improvements, but further investment is needed to ensure sustained impact.

Priorities include:

1. Developing a digital ‘Small Charities’ Handbook’, creating a practical, easy-to-use ‘way in’ that combines the efficiency of AI-powered search with the accessibility of online information. This should be underpinned by a ‘human in the loop’ approach to ensure small charities can access personalised support and real-time guidance when it matters most.
2. Improving collaboration between infrastructure bodies, ensuring Smalls can easily navigate and access relevant support.
3. Exploring ways to scale structured peer support networks, enhancing what already exists to ensure that Smalls remain connected and engaged.
4. Sustaining advocacy with funders to push for long-term improvements in funding accessibility.

The Power of Small project has created momentum, but long-term solutions require continued collaboration, investment and action to ensure Smalls can access the support they need to thrive.