What this is likely to mean...

Do more with less is likely to be the mantra for the next few years. In order to continue to received funding - particularly statutory funding - organisations need to engage with this.

Some ways of doing this could be:

Unrestricted funding - move towards a balanced mix of donations (gifts), grants, contracts and the open market (trading and enterprise)
Lever in other kinds of support, from partnerships, volunteers and in-kind.
Demonstrate you have reduced your costs - be ready to show figures.

Do your research - learn from other organisations. We have some case studies that may give you ideas, or do your own research learning from what other organisations have done when faced with similar issues, both in the UK and abroad.

Some good news

And remember, it may not all be bad news - Third Sector Foresight have identified some opportunities that are likely to arise from recession and cuts.

Larger pool of volunteers
Increased demand for services
In past recessions, some charities have emerged stronger (e.g. homeless charities in 1980s)
People will be looking to their communities for support
Donors are likely to focus on organisations they already support (so look after your existing donors)

See www.3s4.org.uk for more from Foresight.

Personalisation

The feeling here at NCVO is that Personalisation is here to stay. If you think the Personalisation agenda will affect your organisation,then here are some tips:

Be radical - don't just tweak to apparently fit priorities.
Person centred - how do you fit in to someone's life and work with other organisations they are involved with? ('whole system approach').
This is a change from a relationship with a funder to a relationship with a consumer - think about what this means.
Position yourself now - get a reputation for being brilliant at personalised services. Put yourself ahead of the crowd.
Commissioners don't care about saving organisations - only about providing for service users.

You might like to join the Public Service Delivery Network, our free network supporting organisations involved in public services.