August 2010 Quick Survey Analysis

By Sarah Johnston, Senior Researcher, Directory of Social Change

In our August Quick Survey we asked:

Are there too many charities?

There were 404 responses, including 144 written comments. A selection of the comments are provided below, following the main themes of opinion which appear in bold.

Too much duplication

A majority of respondents argued that more charities should close or merge in the name of efficiency. One of the central arguments focused on the over saturation of organisations doing similar work in an environment where funding was decreasing. Personal ego and misled good intentions were sited as possible causes of increased charity registration and calls were made to address this issue.

“There are too many smaller charities doing the same thing and struggling with governance and funding issues. Merging with wider aims may be the way forward. Take personalities out of the discussions.”

“With one new charity being registered every 3 hours you have to wonder about people's motivations...

“Small pot with lots of competition and most are doing the same work just under different umbrella so if they are to be encouraged to merge and work more collaboratively we will see better results in outcomes and please remove competition by making it mandatory for groups to work together.”

“Qualified yes there is too much overlap and the ease with which charities can start up and mirror others, need addressing.”

An issue of small charities versus big

One of the underlying themes concerned how effective small charities were versus larger charities in meeting the needs of beneficiaries.  Many thought smaller charities offered enhanced community spirit and cohesion, whilst others felt that larger charities monopolised funding streams and were too removed from their client base and the original concept of charity.

“Local charities provide for local people whereas they may not approach a large national charity for help.”

“Bigger organisations lose sight of the issues on the ground and concentrate on trying to influence policy makers.”

“Big is not always best - small charities can do a lot more on a one to one base.”

“Yes the bigger charities seem to get all the money and the smaller ones don't but work harder to help people.”

“I am wary of huge corporate charities which have become anonymous NGOs. It takes away from the original concept of charity which is about individual giving.”

Fear of corporate culture creeping in

Some readers also voiced concern over the level of interference from the government and what this meant for charity’s work. Many were also fearful of there being too many larger charities dominating the landscape and of a corporate culture taking over.

“People like to be involved in something in which they can make a difference. And each charity has its own niche. I think the government want to 'use' charities and will end up telling them how to do their work.”

“Charities should be able to choose whether to merge or not, rather than told to by government or commissioners. If merging helps them to make a bigger difference to the people they serve that's fine, but they are the only ones who know whether that's the case. Some of the most effective charities are the smallest and most specialised ones; these are the ones that really know their communities the best.”

“Big doesn't mean efficient, it means more bureaucracy to soak up the funds which should be better used”

“Over centralisation leads to loss of ethical values and remote directors lead to greed & predatory trading.”

Sector diversity and independence more important

Others made the point that more charities, and in particular smaller charities, provided valuable choice and diversity, and that organisations had the right to remain independent rather than merge with other similar organisations. Many believed the large number of local charities do an invaluable service in their communities and are essential in tackling its problems at the ‘coalface’:

“The need in our communities is great, despite living in the 21st century - there is still poverty in different ways right across the UK, let alone the world - so the more people who take up the challenge to make a difference in this world, the better it will become.”

“Unless charities have exactly the same aims and objectives, as well as programme delivery style they have the right to remain independent providers.”

“Small local charities can engage with the community, building special relationships and trust with local people over a period of time.”

“There are never more charities to represent the society. The need for help is too great, therefore to cover this need we have to have more charities. Since there is not enough government institutions to cover the need of the society.”

“I believe that there should be as much diversity as possible to meet the vast array of demands that exist. It may be that for economies of scale there is scope for some charities to merge, but generally lets encourage those who see a real need and have the capacity to address that need get on and do it!!”

“Are there too many businesses?”