Scottish Charities Told To Be Ready For A Recession

Fundraising directors of Scottish and major cross-border charities will meet on Friday to explore ways of preparing for a recession.

About 50 delegates at the event, which is being organised by the Institute of Fundraising Scotland, will be told the sector is entering uncharted territory.

“Planning is more important than ever, but charities will have to plan differently,” Fiona Duncan, senior consultant at Think Consulting Solutions, told Third Sector. “Historically, people have planned for incremental growth or investment, but now they need to focus in another way.”

Her message is based on research, in the shape of a state-of-the-nation report on fundraising, carried out by Think Intelligence, which is part of her company.

Duncan, who will present the findings with colleague Tony Elischer, said fundraisers would need to act on the changes in the report.

“The sector is facing a big challenge,” she said. “It will be interesting to see how we can use this information to move the sector forward.”

The research is expected to reveal trends in income streams and fundraising techniques, as well as details of what is proving successful in Scotland.

Mafe Marwick, chair of the institute in Scotland, said: “The report will be a valuable tool for fundraisers in Scotland to discuss the future of fundraising in the uncertain times that lie ahead for us.”