State of the Sector Reports

State of the Norfolk VCSE Sector 2024 Report

In 2024 we surveyed Norfolk’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to find out their main priorities and challenges. 100 organisations provided their feedback, from the smallest community groups through to large regional charities which helped to build a picture of the key issues affecting our local VCSEs and continues to be instrumental in shaping our support.

Headlines from the State of the Norfolk VCSE Sector Report

Finances & Funding:

  • Securing funding or commissioning is a key issue for 59% of Norfolk VCSEs
  • 63% plan to prioritise maintaining or increasing funding in the next year
  • 37% are focussing on diversifying funding streams, while 25% have already done this

Capacity:

  • 47% highlighted increasing demand for services as a key issue
  • 34% concerned with maintaining their current offer, reflecting capacity issues
  • Recruiting or retaining volunteers is a key priority for 39%
  • 47% want or need to create new paid roles in the next 12 months

Rising Costs:

  • Over 50% said their financial position has deteriorated as result of rising costs
  • 24% have had to increase the price of their services
  • 25% have drawn on their reserves, a significant proportion of which are very small organisations

Key messages from the State of the Norfolk VCSE Sector Report

The priorities and training needs of the smallest organisations are notably different to those of larger organisations. This presents an opportunity for larger organisations to share space, training and resources with smaller VCSEs, while larger VCSEs benefit from networking and collaboration.

Funding remains the number one issue. Organisations of all sizes are drawing on their reserves to meet rising costs, including those who are state-funded. More needs to be done to ensure that commissioners are funding the full cost of projects and, where possible, uplifting funding in line with inflationary and staffing costs.

The sector is struggling with capacity to meet increased demand. The roles of paid staff need to be recognised, resourced and rewarded. With volunteers seeking more flexible and casual roles, the importance of training and retaining staff to ensure a high-quality, consistent service has never been higher.

State of the Norfolk VCSE Sector: Interim Report 2025

In 2025 we followed up our State of the VCSE sector in Norfolk report by surveying more than 20 of the organisations again to get an updated picture of the issues affecting the sector.

Norfolk’s voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector continues to face mounting challenges as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. The latest survey results highlight how local organisations are adapting, while also shedding light on the increasing pressures they face.

There are approximately 10,000 VCSE organisations in Norfolk, ranging from small, informal groups to large regional charities. These organisations are vital to the community, addressing issues such as homelessness, mental health, youth work, and disability support. However, rising costs and financial strain are forcing many to make difficult decisions.

Key Findings from the 2025 Survey

  • 29% of organisations are relying more on volunteers, up from 17% last year.
  • 33% have had to use unplanned financial reserves, compared to 21% previously.
  • 25% have reduced their services due to funding shortfalls, up from 17%.
  • 71% report that their financial position has worsened in the last six months, up from 54%.
  • 50% of organisations now have paid roles at risk, compared to 33%.
  • 79% are confident they will still be operating next year, a decrease from 88% in the previous survey.

The financial strain is especially concerning, with many organisations having to dip into reserves to stay afloat. Rising operational costs, alongside static or reduced funding, are threatening the ability of these organisations to deliver services effectively. Smaller groups are also struggling to recruit volunteers, making it harder to meet growing demand.

Despite the challenges, Norfolk’s VCSE sector remains resilient. However, without further financial support and more collaborative efforts, the long-term sustainability of many organisations is in doubt. Ensuring these vital services can continue will require urgent action from funders, commissioners, and community partners.

Survey feedback helps to build a picture of the key issues affecting our local VCSEs and is instrumental in shaping the support Empowering Communities offers.