How might the Charity Sector fare in 2024 - Enthuse Charity Pulse Report

Using the latest Enthuse Charity Pulse Report, National newscaster Charity Digital look at how charities remained strong, adaptable, and resilient in 2023, and why charities might feel cautiously optimistic in 2024.

As this year comes into full swing, no doubt there will be a host of changes the Sector has to meet, whether socially, politically, or economically.

At the same time, there are a host of potential choices, challenges, and opportunities that await it too.

As always, the Charity Sector has the potential to be that big player, letting its collective voice be heard on the issues that matter, as well as on the realities that face immediate community and society.

Its resilience and innovation should continue to shine through as it has done in previous years, as should a renewed partnership with Government to tackle the issues facing society.

Ultimately, this could come from greater collaborations to work through the challenges ahead and create the best outcomes for the people and communities asking for support.

Newscaster Charity Digital explore how charities remained strong, adaptable, and resilient in 2023, and why they might feel cautiously optimistic in 2024 - their publication covers a range of topics, including:

An Election Year
In the year of a general election, there can be a wide range of effects for the Charity Sector, which could include that potential for a better relationship with Government.

But charities often need to think about wider aspects to the local an national elections as this might, say, affect the time taken for authorities to make decisions on public contracts and tendering.

And whilst they should follow electoral and charity law in what they say during the election campaign season, charities should not be discouraged from being heard on the issues that matter to the communities they support.

The Economic Climate
Previously, charities worked through the Pandemic and showed it can adjust and evolve to move forward and prosper. It is now the Cost-of-Living crisis that is the pressing concern, which charities must work through to keep much-needed services going.

Although there are signs the UK economy is becoming more comfortable, inflation and interest rates are still affecting charities with operating costs amid the growing demand for their services.

The constant pressure on households can directly affect charitable giving, as well as pressure on Local Governments which could impact on charity contracts and public sector funding.

Whilst the Charity Sector may not see any financial relief anytime soon, it could be seen as opportunity for alliance or partnerships; not just between charities or voluntary groups, but also collaboration with funders or grant givers.

Society, Technology, and even Environment
In the changing and challenging landscape that we face, people would be looking at more promising ways to form brighter futures and build better communities.

Charities have that continued potential to be at the centre of work to create greater local decision-making and community empowerment, with efforts to encourage more funding for Local Government and create a thriving community.

Greater local participation can also lead to greater voluntary action and involvement, this could include increasing accessibility to volunteering and more opportunities to volunteer.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to rewrite how we work and live, so creating plans and strategies for charities to make the most of AI and other technologies would be important.

And the climate crisis now has a visible impact on the work of charity organisations, so it would pay for charities to continue revising their ways of working to show how they contribute to achieving climate targets.

Using the latest Charity Pulse Report from fundraising technology provider Enthuse – which covers the aspects described above and more - they look back at the challenges and rewards faced by charities in 2023, and look forward to the Sector’s prospects for 2024.

To read the feature, visit the Charity Digital website.