How is COVID-19 affecting small UK charities working in international development? (June 2020)
A survey by the Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN) of 53 small international development charities with annual incomes under £1m and employing fewer than 100 staff found that despite nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of respondents seeing demand for their services increase, funding opportunities were rapidly disappearing.
Key Findings:
Only 11% of organisations continued their work overseas as normal - 64% have found new ways to deliver services, and over half (57%) have postponed programme(s)/project(s).
The majority of income raised over the last 3 months has come from individual giving (79%), followed by Trusts & Foundations (45%). Only 4% have been eligible for Government related funding.
68% have received no support from the UK Government during this period. 34% have/are using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough).
COVID-19 is already affecting the finances of 77% of organisations in this financial year (2020-21). 28% believe the crisis will continue to impact their finances in the next financial year (2021-22).
Without additional funding, from the UK Government or elsewhere, nearly half (45%) will need to shut their doors within 12 months. 15% in 6 months.
59% have/are using their reserves during this crisis. 15% do not have reserves which they can access.
Volunteer numbers have remained the same in 42% of organisations. 36% of organisations have increased volunteer numbers during this period.
Note on the respondents: 53 small UK charities/nonprofits took part in the survey. 94% of these are registered charities, with 87% based in England. Annual income levels range between £5,000 to £1,000,000. The average number of full-time staff per organisation is 6, with an average of 2 part-time staff and 22 volunteers. They support communities overseas, across 6 continents.
