Dublin, 26 May: The Wheel, a national umbrella body representing 916 community, voluntary and charitable organisations, today expressed its concern after a new survey revealed that 74.5% of charities have experienced drop in income since November.

 

A survey of 129 community and voluntary organisations, conducted between 16 and 20 May, found that nearly half (47.1%) reported a drop in donations over last 6 months and 56% say that their statutory funding was
reduced in the last 12 months .

 

58.4% of charities reported an increase in demand for their services since November, while nearly half (48%) have suspended or delayed projects due to financial considerations during the same period.

 

Speaking at Innovating for Good, a national conference for the not-for-profit sector at Croke Park, Deirdre Garvey, Chief Executive of The Wheel said: “Charities are struggling to deal with the fallout from rising unemployment and cuts in public services. At the same time their ability to protect the most vulnerable is being undermined by cuts in statuatory funding and a drop in public donations”.

 

Representatives from 190 charities attended the event which was organised by The Wheel and sponsored by Microsoft, Total Fundraising and supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

 

 

Deirdre Garvey, Chief Executive of The Wheel is available for interview. Contact Gert Ackermann on Tel: 086 176 9287, (01) 454 8727 or email gert@wheel.ie.

 

The Wheel is a national support and representative organisation for community, voluntary and charitable groups. It provides a wide range of information and support services, advice and training to individuals and organisations involved in community and voluntary activity. It is also a representative organisation promoting both its members’ and the wider sector’s interests. The Wheel is registered charity (no. 13288) and a company limited by guarantee. www.wheel.ie.

 

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