# New report consolidates data, insights, trends & predictions for post-pandemic charity sector

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2022/07/25/new-report-consolidates-data-insights-trends-predictions-for-post-pandemic-charity-sector/
- Published: 2022-07-25T09:45:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**A report has been published that consolidates the findings of over 80 reports 
and data sources and outlines post pandemic trends and forecasts for the charity
sector.**

_After the Storm – Charity Horizons_ is by Leesa Harwood from [By the Waves Charity Consulting](https://bythewaves.co.uk/),
and has been peer reviewed by Karl Wilding and Tim Willett. Examining the charity
sector as it emerges from the pandemic, it is a comprehensive look at the main findings
from the various reports and data sources available, highlighting the key facts,
figures and trends, and what they mean for individual organisations. Areas covered
include economic and resourcing trends, income generation data, governance, and 
risk insight.  

In the foreword, Harwood says that as the sector emerges from the pandemic, leaders
are trying to understand its impact on the sector. However, because going through
the hundreds of reports available takes up a lot of time, she has compiled the report
to help, saying:

## Advertisement

 [⌊Posthub advert. You create the campaign. We'll handle the postal journey. Get started at post-hub.co.uk.⌉](https://fundraising.co.uk/ads/posthub-20261007-300x250/)

> “Whilst there is nothing new in this report, it aims to consolidate and compare
> findings from over 80 data sources about the current state of the charity sector,
> and future trends affecting its sustainability and viability. By pulling together
> some of the most credible, insightful publications and projections I hope to make
> it easier for you to identify areas of consensus and emerging trends. I’ll also
> highlight any notable outlier opinions or forecasts.”

From her analysis of the reports available, Harwood highlights a number of key themes:

 * Financial uncertainty – with the potential for rising inflation rates and costs
   and risks to income to result in a sector income shortfall of up to £5 billion.
 * Erosion of donor numbers – with an ongoing, albeit small, decline in the number
   of people donating.
 * Difficult decisions ahead – due to increasing demand for services and falling
   income.
 * Technology gap – leaving an urgent need for charities to work to embrace, understand
   and better use tech so it works for societal improvement rather than against 
   it.
 * Cultural transformation ­– with a growing need for new perspectives, competencies
   and approaches the sector needs to work much harder to attract a diverse range
   of people.
 * Risk mitigation – with the pandemic highlighting the need for strong, competent
   collaborative teams, with clear lines of risk accountability and robust contingency
   planning processes.

While the next few years will be difficult for the sector, Harwood also notes that_“
there are opportunities too, because challenges inevitably create the impetus necessary
to change and improve._“

The full report can be downloaded for free from the [By the Waves site](https://bythewaves.co.uk/).

 * **[Winners of IoF Insight in Fundraising Awards 2014 announced](https://fundraising.co.uk/2014/06/04/winners-iof-insight-fundraising-awards-2014-announced/)**(
   4 June 2014)
 * **[Insight in Fundraising Awards 2015 open for entries](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/04/08/insight-in-fundraising-awards-2015-open-for-entries/)**(
   8 April 2015)
 * **[Shortlist announced for Insight in Fundraising Awards 2015](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/06/03/shortlist-announced-for-insight-in-fundraising-awards-2015/)**(
   3 June 2015)