nfpResearch

Day

Wednesday 11 February

Time slot

09:30-10:30

Room

Ochil room
Wheelchair accessible

Contact

Sarah Nathan

Topics

Finance, funding & fundraising Impact & evaluation Arts, culture & sport

Overall aim

This session will focus on our sector wide data from the last decade, drawing on research with the general public and Members of the Scottish Parliament. We aim to provide a foundation for helping charities in Scotland work more effectively with supporters, communities, and policymakers, while identifying opportunities for collective action to address shared challenges.

The session is designed to be accessible and relevant to the whole charity sector, from volunteers to senior leaders. By highlighting sector-wide trends and encouraging the exchange of perspectives, the session will foster collaboration across organisations of different sizes and areas of focus.

Description

By drawing on our long term polling data, nfpResearch will reveal how public and political attitudes towards charities in Scotland have changed over the past decade. We will explore several key areas that are vital for the sector, including:

• Trust and visibility – how Scottish charities compare to the UK and their role in tackling challenges.
• Shifting donation habits – how the Scottish public wants their money spent.
• Localism and effective communication – how charities can improve communication and engagement with the Scottish public.

We will also deliver insight into how Members of the Scottish Parliament perceive the charity sector in Scotland, exploring their preferences, expectations and attitudes towards its role in shaping policy and importance to public life. This will provide valuable guidance on how charities can strengthen political engagement ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary elections and beyond.

The presentation will conclude with a Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to discuss the findings in further detail and the implications for their own work.

Overall, this session will equip attendees with clear, data driven insights and practical takeaways to refine strategy, build stronger connections with decision makers and the communities they serve, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Who is the event aimed at?

Directors, Fundraisers, Managers

Who is speaking at this event?

Peter Dawson – Head of Qualitative Research, nfpResearch
Sarah Nathan – Senior Researcher, nfpResearch