New research from Cranfield Trust, delivered with pro bono support from nfpResearch, highlights the pressures facing small charities and the types of specialist and targeted support that will have the biggest impact for charities and the sector in the years ahead.
Drawing on the perspectives of funders, charity leaders, volunteers and staff, the findings released in the new report, Right support, right time: Insights from the sector, present a picture of a sector working under sustained strain, but clear on the value of practical, relational support that strengthens leadership and organisational resilience.
During March 2026, Cranfield Trust undertook research to better understand how the needs of charities and not‑for‑profit organisations are evolving. From the 368 stakeholder responses, a consistent message emerged: charity leaders are balancing rising demand with increasingly challenging fundraising conditions and need support that is both specialist, accessible and human-centred to navigate this environment confidently.
Read the full report, Right support, right time: Insights from the sector
Summary of findings
Financial pressure remains the most pressing challenge, but it’s not the whole story
Across all four stakeholder groups, income generation and fundraising were identified as the most significant challenge for small charities. Two‑thirds of funders, charities and volunteers and 94% of Cranfield Trust staff highlighted this as their most significant concern. However, the research also highlights a balanced set of other pressures that are impacting on organisational resilience.
Charities pointed to succession planning, leadership wellbeing, governance and long‑term strategy as areas of growing concern. Funders particularly emphasised leadership capacity and wellbeing, reflecting the increasing strain on those leading small and medium‑sized organisations. Volunteers, who work closely with charities through Cranfield Trust’s pro bono consultancy and mentoring, also highlighted governance and board effectiveness as areas where charities need more support.
Clear priorities for training and future development
When asked about future training needs, stakeholders echoed these challenges. Income generation was again the most frequently cited need, followed by:
- Organisational resilience and risk management
- Strategy and planning
- Digital capability
- Leadership development and succession planning
- Impact measurement and evaluation
Charity leaders stressed the importance of support that is high‑quality, practical and easy to access. As one respondent shared: “Free, high‑quality training is so valuable when budgets are being squeezed.”
Charities want short, practical training and human connections
The research highlights that charities think they will need more short, practical training in the years to come. Respondents also emphasised the value of trusted online resources and webinars, which offer flexibility, reach and immediate accessibility. This reflects a wider need for support that is timely, relevant and easy to access, enabling leaders to build capability without stepping away from frontline responsibilities.
They also highlighted the need for clearer pathways to the right support at the right time, supported by technology where appropriate, but stakeholders also highlighted the importance of human judgement, trusted relationships and space for reflection. This was particularly evident in feedback on one‑to‑one support.
One‑to‑one consultancy and mentoring remain highly impactful
All stakeholder groups identified one‑to‑one consultancy as one of the most effective forms of support. Charities described it as “incredibly valuable” and “transformative”, particularly because of its sustained, relationship‑based approach.
Mentoring and peer‑to‑peer support also featured strongly, especially for leaders who may feel isolated in their roles. Funders, volunteers and charities all placed mentoring in their top priorities for future development, recognising its role in supporting leadership confidence and wellbeing.
As one funder noted: “Cranfield seems to be able to listen well and support charities to find solutions in a timescale that makes a difference for the client. This is gold dust.”
Pro bono expertise remains vital
The research reinforces the vital role of independent, specialist pro bono support. Stakeholders described the value of “fresh eyes”, constructive challenge and a safe space for honest conversations, support that is often inaccessible to small charities
Free access to support important but requires sustainable funding
When asked what should matter most in shaping the future, charities most frequently selected access to free or low-cost support. While funders and volunteers highlighted the need for sustainable investment in charity infrastructure to ensure that access does not come at the expense of quality or long‑term viability.
Cranfield Trust’s commitment to the sector
Across all audiences, there was a shared ambition for Cranfield Trust to continue as the go‑to provider of pro bono management support for small charities. The findings will shape the Trust’s future strategy and strengthen its commitment to helping build a more resilient and sustainable sector.
The Trust also recognises that no single organisation can meet the full range of support needs facing the sector. By sharing these findings, Cranfield Trust aims to support wider reflection and collaboration across the ecosystem of organisations working to strengthen charities.
Dan Francis, Cranfield Trust CEO said:
“This research gives us a clear and honest picture of the pressures facing charities, and clear direction for the support that will make the greatest difference and impact. Charity leaders are working incredibly hard in challenging circumstances, often without the specialist skills or resources they need around them and our findings have highlighted the importance of human‑led, relational support that provides a trusted space, insight and reassurance when it is needed most.
"By listening closely to the sector, we can ensure our services remain practical, relevant and grounded in the realities charities face every day. Cranfield Trust will continue to stand alongside leaders, helping them build the confidence, resilience and clarity needed to guide their organisations into the future. We are deeply grateful to nfpResearch for their pro bono support and to everyone who shared their insight and thoughts.”
