Susan Smith is disheartened to hear that funders are still not putting their faith in small charities to deliver vital services
Small charities are once again warning they may not be around in five years’ time, and this is such a commonplace complaint, it’s almost hackneyed.
Local charities have never been able to plan more than a year ahead, short-termism is and always has been the reality for community funding.
So, should they just stop moaning and get on with the job? Of course not; stressed-out charity managers and front-line staff on the brink of burn out cannot solve the problems facing our communities.
It’s not rocket science to see that closing East Lothian Kinship Care Service will add pressure to other services
And although the truth is that most of the charities interviewed by Localgiving probably will be around in five years’ time, those that do close will leave gaping holes that put additional pressure on survivors.
Take East Lothian Kinship Care Service, a Children 1st community service currently facing closure. The service offers emotional and practical support to kinship care families, a growing segment of the child protection system. Often these are grandparents looking after traumatised children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
It’s not rocket science to see that closing East Lothian Kinship Care Service will add pressure to other services – from public sector health and education services to third-sector community support services.
So, why don't funders seem to get it? There are two reason for short-term community funding – bad management on the part of mostly public sector funders or lack of faith in small organisations. It's incredibly disheartening that we are still battling both of these in 2018.
Not all small charities are perfect but they have a much better chance of delivering long-term solutions for our communities with the backing of a five-year funding agreement.
Fairer funding may be an old and tired mantra, but right now, when the environment is so tough for so many, it needs to be sung with fresh energy.
Susan Smith is editor of Third Force News.
