Evidence library

Covid-19/Coronavirus. . Survey sent to 1,424 grantees, with 1,253 returns received.

The key findings:

• The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is universal and UK-wide: 98% of organisations have been impacted within the first three weeks and the remaining 2% expect some impact in the future. There were no significant differences across the country, nor across the sector.
• coronavirus (COVID-19) is expected to impact on organisational survival: 82% of organisations report high or moderate risk to the long-term viability of their organisation.
• Financial reserves are limited: 46% of organisations can survive for no more than six months, and the next half year will be crucial to the survival of many of our heritage organisations. If the current situation continues, 11% expect to keep going for no more than two months.
• Flexible support required: In terms of support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our partners, you asked for greater flexibility for existing projects/grants (75%) and emergency funding (53%).
• Around a third of charity/third-sector organisations and around a third of community and voluntary groups said they could not exist beyond July.

The financial impact is likely to be high:

• 91% of respondents said they’ve had to cancel events
• 69% are being affected by loss of revenue
• 82% of organisations reported high or moderate risk to their long-term viability. That figure rises to 90% of charity, third sector or private organisations.

The impact on organisations in our sector was also clear from the survey responses:

• 71% expected they would have to close to the public
• 55% are being affected by lack of available volunteers
• 49% are being affected by staff absence
• 49% are seeing reduced visitor numbers

What is needed?

The majority of respondents wanted clarity around what government support they can apply for, and greater flexibility for existing projects/grants. 58% wanted replacement funding due to loss of revenue, while 52% wanted emergency funding.