Third Sector Funding
The ALLIANCE advocates for fair funding for the third sector and to recognise its value as an equal partner in public service delivery.
The third sector makes a significant social and economic contribution in Scotland, supporting individuals and communities across the country and employing an estimated 133,000 people, with a combined turnover of more than £9 billion every year. However, this contribution remains unrecognised and undervalued, and the financial situation facing the sector has become increasingly difficult following the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.
As the national third sector intermediary for health and social care, the ALLIANCE advocates for fair funding for the third sector. We support the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) calls for fair funding, which include longer-term funding of three years or more; flexible, unrestricted core funding; sustainable funding that includes inflation-based uplifts; and timely notification, processing and payment of funding.
The ALLIANCE publishes reports, such as our 2023 ‘Stretched to the Limit’ report on the impacts of the cost of living crisis third sector, and consult regularly with our members to investigate the financial circumstances facing them, for example through surveys. We also ensure that the value of the third sector and the importance of fair funding are highlighted at every opportunity, through opportunities like evidence to Scottish Parliament committees in advance of the budget.
For more information on our policy activity relating to third sector funding please contact Allan Faulds, Senior Policy Officer on allan.faulds@alliance-scotland.org.uk or 0141 404 0231.