JGP News

It is important that those working for charities are aware of the exact amount of money they have in unrestricted funds, it has been reported.

At a Charity Finance Directors” Group (CFDG) conference, such professionals stated that it is crucial that those in the third sector make sure that they are financially well prepared for unforeseen events, ThirdSector.co.uk reports.

Charles Nall, chair of the CFDG, said: "Restricted income is the vast majority of money for many small charities, but it can”t always cover something unexpected happening."

He added that as unrestricted funds are set to become more scarce, charitable and voluntary organisations should ensure "they are exceptionally alert to the possibility of anything going wrong".

Meanwhile, Don Bawtree, head of the national charity unit at BDO Stoy Hayward, reported that although a significant number of charities may currently make estimations about their unrestricted funds, there is now a need to make more accurate calculations.

Such news could be of interest to those charities that are looking to maintain sustainable efficiencies.

Earlier this week, Martin Brookes, chief executive of New Philanthropy Capital, claimed that although the credit crisis has meant some "large pots of wealth have been destroyed", it is important for charities to prove their effectiveness to those would-be donors.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

Those working in the third sector can play a crucial part in tackling climate change, it has been stated.

In a paper published by the Green Alliance, Stephen Hale, director of the environmental charity, states that these kinds of organisations may be able to succeed in addressing global warming and other ecological issues where in the past governments have failed, ThirdSector.co.uk reports.

Mr Hale reported that the leadership that is required to create "a new politics of climate change" can only come from the third sector, pointing out that such organisations include community groups, social enterprises, trade unions, faith communities and volunteers.

He claimed: "The sector has a historic opportunity to mobilise on this."

The comments made by the Green Alliance director could be of interest to those charities that are looking to maintain sustainable efficiencies.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Every Action Counts had released a survey questioning third sector bodies on the actions that they have taken to implement green practices in their workplace.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

There is no better time than the present for those working for social enterprises, it has been suggested.

In research carried out by YouGov, it was revealed that some 42 per cent of Britons want to see more of these sorts of organisations throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the same percentage of respondents claimed that the values behind social enterprises are set to become more important to business during a period of economic recession.

Jonathan Bland, chief executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition, stated that such organisations "are going to be more essential than ever in today’’s economy".

He added: "These results really make it clear that the time is ripe for a business revolution."

Such news could be of interest to those working for social enterprises that are looking to improve their skills framework.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Scottish government is set to launch a £1 million Social Entrepreneurs Fund next year aimed at assisting those looking to launch such an organisation.

More skills framework information.

It is important that those working for charities demonstrate their group’’s effectiveness to members of the public.

Such is the assertion of Martin Brookes, chief executive of New Philanthropy Capital, who claims that such moves will be crucial for those organisations looking to survive the current economic downturn, Third Sector reports.

Speaking ahead of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations” (Acevo) annual conference, it was stated that despite the financial crisis some consumers may still be willing to donate to charities.

Mr Brookes said: "There is some evidence that people become more kind-hearted during tough times."

However, he pointed out that as some "large pots of wealth have been destroyed", it is crucial that charitable organisations "are able to prove their value".

The comments made could be of interest to those third sector groups looking to maintain sustainable efficiencies.

Earlier this month, Acevo revealed it is asking charities and voluntary groups to give their opinions on how the government can help them manage through the financial crisis.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

In spite of the impact of the current financial crisis, people are still continuing to donate money to those working for charities and voluntary groups, it has been revealed.

Research carried out by Survey Sampling International (SSI) has shown that some 77 per cent of Britons are currently giving money to third sector organisations.

Such a proportion was the highest noted out of five countries throughout Europe, with 66 and 61 per cent of people in France and Germany shown to be making donations to charities.

Overall, some 75 per cent of people across the continent are continuing to give to charities, although 20 per cent of respondents claim to have reduced the amount they donate.

Meanwhile, it was shown that medical and humanitarian charities are the most popular causes to give to, in news that might interest third sector groups looking to improve sustainable efficiencies.

Joanna Southwell, fundraising manager for Positive East, said: "It’’s great to see that the British public continues to want to give to good causes despite the economic pressures."

Volker Andresen, European marketing director at SSI, added that public support "both financially and logistically, is essential to the success of many of today’’s charity causes".

Meanwhile, Helen Verney, finance director of Jewish Care, recently claimed that the credit crisis provides charities with the opportunity to take advantage of lower financing costs and cheaper property prices.

More about sustainable efficiencies.