Charity Roundtable Highlights Key Issues Affecting Third Sector

Ahead of the 2025 TBE South West Charity Conference & Expo, a roundtable hosted by Milsted Langdon  has brought together sector professionals and charities to discuss challenges facing the Third Sector.

Held at Milsted Langdon’s Bath office and chaired by Tim Lerwill, Head of Charity & Not For Profit, the event fostered an open and constructive dialogue about the hurdles charities must overcome to remain sustainable and effective in the current climate.

Attendees included Becky Brooks, Director of B&NES Third Sector Group (3SG); Anita Jaynes, Founder of the TBE South West Charity Conference & Expo; and charity law specialists, Alexandra Steffensen and James Barratt from Stone King.

Here's a summary of the discussion...

Trust and Collaboration

Building trust, both within the sector and with funders, is vital for the continued success of charities. The roundtable emphasised the importance of collaboration and shared resources, helping organisations work together to maximise impact and efficiency.

Funding Delays and Grant Challenges

A recurring issue for many charities is the delayed release of funding, which significantly hinders planning and sustainability. Many organisations find it difficult to commit to long-term projects when they are uncertain about future funding streams. Additionally, excessive red tape surrounding grant applications was highlighted as a major burden, especially for one-year grants that require extensive reporting. Some charities are even relying on staff to complete applications outside of office hours, putting further strain on teams.

The consensus was that grant funding should ideally be for a minimum of two years, providing stability and reducing administrative pressure.

The Need for Better Matching Between Charities and Trusts

Many charities struggle to connect with the right funding bodies, and there was a strong interest in improving the matching process between trusts and charities. This could include compiling a list of available trusts or utilising platforms like Bath’s 3SG to facilitate connections between donors, philanthropists, and organisations looking for support.

Potential next steps include:

• Exploring the idea of a comprehensive database of trusts for charities to access.

• Engaging with 3SG to discuss trust-charity matchmaking at the upcoming TBE South West Charity Conference & Expo on 5th June at Bath Racecourse.

• Investigating the use of matchmaking software to streamline the process.

Lobbying for Policy Change

Advocacy was another key topic, with charities discussing the importance of lobbying MPs to push for more realistic funding structures and less bureaucratic red tape. Engaging policymakers to ensure funding processes reflect the needs of charities remains a priority.

New Opportunities: Philanthropy and Investment Managers

With increasing interest from investment managers and philanthropists in setting up new charitable funds, there is potential for fresh sources of financial support.

Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Innovation

The roundtable underscored the need for continued collaboration, better funding structures, and stronger matchmaking between charities and donors. With these discussions in mind, the sector must work towards more streamlined processes, greater transparency, and innovative solutions to sustain its invaluable work.

Milsted Langdon will continue to facilitate these vital conversations and explore ways to support the Third Sector in overcoming these challenges.

If you’re interested in attending a future Third Sector roundtable event, please email marketing@milstedlangdon.co.uk

Thank you to The Business Exchange and Milsted Langdon for this copy.