A familiar discussion for the charity sector was raised again recently, namely whether there are too many charities in the UK, with suggestions made that there should be more mergers. Without wanting to go over well rehearsed arguments, something that can get lost in big picture discussions about the number of charities is the individual value that small charities bring. While for some it seems undoubtedly true that closer collaboration and / or merger can be a good idea, particularly in the current harsh economic environment, for others, it is also worth reflecting on the advantages being a smaller organisation can offer its service users.
At Pilotlight, we work with lots of small to medium sized charities in a vast variety of areas, whose size and scope is part of what makes them hugely effective. For example, Stockwell Park Estate Community Trust (SPCT) whose work is focussed on a specific part of south London, are an extremely innovative and effective organisation leading the way in working with young people in a deprived area, and achieving fantastic results in aspects such as gang related activity. Their size enables them to be flexible and responsive, and quickly trial new ways of working while staying genuinely rooted in the community. Of course, the usual restraints that most charities face in terms of resource and funding apply, but, by working in partnership with agencies such as the local job centre plus and the police, SPCT are able to punch well above their weight. Crucially, partners understand what SPCT can bring to the table from their vibrant community centre in the heart of the estate where they work; including genuinely being part of, and vitally, trusted by the local community.
Another example are charities that may be working to address a specific medical condition that may only affect a few thousand people in the country and therefore gets less attention and funding than common disorders. These organisations are able to provide high quality, specialist advice and knowledge. Their size and scope doesn’t mean they aren't ambitious, their vision may be helping find a cure for the condition, and they can bring real focus and in depth knowledge to that effort.
A lot of the reasons successful small charities do well are similar to those of successful small businesses: they can be innovative, responsive and personal. A flat structure can mean it can be quick to make decisions, and trial new ways of working at a small and highly targeted scale. This agility can help keep the sector fresh, at a time when huge challenges mean that new ideas are needed. Ultimately, understanding why you are doing what you are doing, who for and where you are going is crucial to success, whatever the size of organisation. One of the reasons the charity sector in the UK is so vibrant is the great mix of size and structures, with small charities having a lot to bring to the table, but their voice is often not heard in debates about the sector, such as social investment and chief executive pay. As the sector faces ever more funding challenges it is worth stepping back to remember the input individual organisations can bring.
