In July, the fifth and final national report from Third Sector Trends was published. The report in partnership with Lloyds Bank Foundation, draws on insights from over 8,600 voluntary organisations across England and Wales, and confirms what we see every day.

Organisations in less advantaged areas are tackling the most urgent needs, from poverty to housing and isolation, while struggling the most financially.

These same organisations collaborate the most, especially in poorer coastal towns and diverse urban communities. Despite having fewer resources, they build stronger partnerships and working relationships than their counterparts in wealthier areas.

Far from lacking the capacity to cooperate, under resourced communities are leading the way in it.

The report also confirms something we’ve always believed: it’s not just how much you give, but the conditions attached to the funding. Organisations holding unrestricted, trust-based funding consistently report stronger impact, particularly in areas of critical need.

Flexible funding tends to be combined with other elements that help organisations thrive: time invested in understanding their work, longer term backing and support to develop their skills.

In Lancashire and Merseyside, this is exactly why our approach matters. By working closely with donors and directing support to well embedded local organisations, we help make sure funding reaches where it’s needed most, in a way that helps most.