New report: Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2025: income sources, assets and financial wellbeing.
Third Sector Trends has been surveying the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector every three years since 2010. In 2025, 8,680 responses were received across England and Wales. This is the only large-scale and fully representative longitudinal national survey in the UK which can produce robust and detailed comparative analysis at regional and national level.
The project is funded in 2025-26 by Community Foundation North East, Lloyds Bank Foundation England and Wales, Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Millfield House Foundation. This is the third of five national reports from Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2025.
The report highlights some key trends:
- Grants are now even more popular as a principal source of income
- Trusts and foundations are shifting towards longer-term grants
- The third sector is turning its back on contracts to deliver public services
- The appeal and reliance upon earned income is weakening
- Financial reserves have held up well since 2022
- Many in the third sector have a very positive outlook on future finances
Read the full report: