As we approach the end of the year, the team at nfpResearch would like to take a moment to wish all our partners, clients, and friends in the charity sector a joyful holiday season. It’s been an eventful year for us, filled with meaningful research, new initiatives, and exciting opportunities to share our findings with you. This has included a refresh of our product line, and the addition of our sector data monitor nfpIntelligence. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to provide this exciting new research to such passionate and dedicated individuals and organisations this year, and we look forward to continuing our support of the charity sector in 2025.

Here’s a quick look back at some of the highlights of 2024:

New Reports

This year, we had the privilege of releasing two major reports that explored crucial areas impacting the charity sector.

• Politics and the Charity Sector: Our report on public sentiment towards charities’ involvement in politics was written in collaboration with the Shelia McKechnie Foundation. Inside, we use public surveys and focus groups with charity supporters to identify key trends in understanding and support for charities’ political work and campaigning. 
• Funder Plus & Additional Support: In this report, we explored attitudes towards 'Funder Plus' support – how funders are increasingly moving beyond just providing financial resources to offer strategic guidance, networking, and other valuable services to charities. The report reflects on the experiences of grantees and grant applicants, and how they view this support.

Understanding the Impact of the New Labour Government

With the UK now helmed by a Labour government, we’ve been closely considering the impacts that their leadership will have on the charity sector. Our nfpPolitics Westminster monitor has been the first stop for many charities looking to understand and strengthen their relationships with MPs, and we hosted an in-depth panel discussion with sector veterans to explore some of the opportunities that have emerged under a Labour government. This research has provided valuable insights for charities navigating the political landscape, helping them better understand attitudes and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Celebrating the success of our Small Charity Research Project

At nfpResearch, we believe in levelling the playing field for charities of all sizes, and this year, we were excited to share some of the results of the free research project that we awarded to Hamlin Fistula. By providing them with the opportunity to gain insights they could use to better understand their supporters, we aimed to help them improve their impact and grow their reach. This initiative is just one example of how we’re working to ensure that any charity, big or small, can have access to the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Expanding Our Work in Canada and Partnering with Imagine Canada

Our work in Canada has continued to grow this year as nfpPublic Canada has fast become a vital tool for Canadian charities looking to better engage with new and existing audiences. We’ve been focused on building a robust base of research and knowledge in the region and are proud to have partnered with Imagine Canada, a leading national organisation that supports charities and non-profit sector, to successfully host an online event to share our key findings from across the nation. This collaboration allowed us to demonstrate the unique elements of the Canadian charity landscape and engage with organisations in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Focus Groups and Interviews

We’ve also expanded our focus groups and interviews with members of the public, transforming these valuable insights into dynamic webinars and live online events. These included speaking to young people, 50-70 year olds, the Scottish public, and more to learn how different audiences want to engage with charities. These sessions have been a powerful way to provide actionable knowledge that charities can use to refine their strategies, improve engagement, and increase their impact. We’re proud of the growing interest in these sessions, and the feedback we’ve received from participants continues to inspire us.

Our Best Attended Webinar Ever

One of the standout moments of the year was our most attended webinar to date, where we interviewed minority ethnic members of the public about their engagement with charities. The turnout was truly inspiring and underscored the importance of inclusivity in the sector. By highlighting the diverse ways that different communities interact with charities, we were able to demonstrate the critical need for charities to reflect the communities they serve and ensure that all voices are heard. This webinar was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity in shaping the future of the charity sector.

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Year of Innovation and Insight

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue building on the momentum we’ve gained this year. Our goal remains the same: to find new and innovative ways to support the charity sector and share our research in ways that are both insightful and accessible. We’re committed to continuing our work in Canada, expanding our reach to new audiences, and exploring new methods for delivering value to the charity sector.

In the year ahead, we will continue to provide valuable insights, foster conversations, and contribute to the growth of the charity sector. Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024, and we can’t wait to share even more with you in the year ahead.

Happy holidays and here’s to a brighter, more impactful 2025!

Warm regards,

The nfpResearch Team