The long running triennial Third Sector Trends survey will return in 2025 for the sixth time. While still in the early stages of developing project themes for its next round, it can now be confirmed that the project will go ahead thanks to funding provided by  our long-standing and principal partner Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

This is the largest and longest running study of the voluntary sector in England and Wales, culminating in six core reports on sector structure, dynamics, purpose, influencing, energy and impact in 2022-23.  Data were then explored further to look specifically at the contribution of the voluntary sector to public health in three separately funded but integrated reports in Yorkshire and Humber, Cumbria and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West.

While negotiations continue with other potential contributors to the project, confirmation of renewed support for the study has also been secured from Millfield House Foundation for a second time to look at campaigning and influencing in the voluntary sector. To secure a strong response in Wales, support has also been provided by Wales Council for Voluntary Action and will allow for more in-depth analysis that was possible in the 2022 study.

Announcements on the participation of other partners in the project will be made in the early new year.  If you would like to see more detail on the study, its methodology and its publication of findings, please click here: Third Sector Trends in England and Wales.