August 12, 2025

Results from a recent funding survey by Cumbria CVS of Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations has revealed that more that 80% of respondents listed covering core costs as a significant challenge.

Our sector survey last year revealed that funding/money is the biggest challenge the VCFSE sector in Cumbria faces.

Our follow-up survey aimed to dig deeper into this area, and we’re now analysing the results to establish key areas where we can provide additional support.

Further insights from the survey include the concerning statistic that more than half would last less than six months on reserves alone, and that funding uncertainty is impacting staff recruitment and retention.

More than two-thirds also reported disruption to their services due to short-term funding, and comments included that the “Competitive funding environment has made securing funding require a lot more resources” and additional challenges, such as “Funding received but no cost of living applied”.