Power of Small project report

While networks and peer support required focused testing, the connecting and convening elements were primarily explored through a separate, dedicated network and peer support mini project that ran in parallel to the Power of Small.

This work responded to longstanding findings across multiple research efforts – including NCVO’s Time Well Spent and Rebalancing the Relationship – that small charities (‘Smalls’), particularly those operating outside London, often experience isolation and lack access to structured opportunities to engage with relevant networks, share knowledge and collaborate effectively.

The purpose of this related project was to trial different approaches to peer support and connection – ranging from digital communities to informal learning spaces – offering practical ways for small charities to engage.

However, this work represents just one contribution to addressing the broader challenge of connectivity across the sector, which will require sustained attention and a mix of locally- and nationally-driven solutions.

This work included a combination of desk research, stakeholder interviews and pilot initiatives to examine existing sector networks, digital and in-person engagement models, and the specific challenges small charities face in maintaining sustained connections.

A key part of the testing involved piloting four online communities, each focused on a priority area: funding and fundraising, strategy and evaluation, marketing and communications, and HR.

These groups evaluated different digital platforms, including WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Google Groups, to determine which best supported sustained engagement and peer learning. Nearly 1,000 small charities were invited, with 177 actively engaging across different groups.

Alongside these digital initiatives, in-person convening spaces were tested, including community coffee breaks and structured networking forums, to explore the balance between online and face-to-face engagement.

The testing process reinforced the importance of accessibility, ease of use and sustained facilitation, as small charities often lacked the time or capacity to engage in self-organised networking.

While digital platforms provided convenience, findings indicated that engagement required active facilitation to build momentum, and small charities continued to place high value on in-person interactions.

• This phase of work provided critical learning for the wider Power of Small project, demonstrating that peer support and knowledge-sharing require structure to be effective.
• The findings echo the desk research and research whereby they found that Smalls benefit most when networking opportunities are tailored to their specific needs and capacity constraints.
• The importance of a blended approach – combining structured digital spaces with in-person convening/meeting – was also a key takeaway.

These insights will inform the future design of sector-wide engagement strategies, ensuring that Smalls can connect in meaningful, practical and sustainable ways while leveraging collective (and peer) knowledge, advocating for change and building resilience.