Fears Grow for Needy as Charities Face Cash Crunch and Uncertainty
A recent poll reveals many charities are struggling to survive, raising concerns for vulnerable communities relying on their support
Charities, Australia, Community Services, Salvation Army, Cost of Living
Melbourne: There’s a lot of worry out there about charities. A new poll shows that one in three charities are unsure if they can keep going. That’s pretty alarming, right?
According to a survey of charity leaders, 37% feel less confident about their future than they did three years ago. Only about half of them think they’re in a good spot moving forward.
The Community Council of Australia, which put out the report, says this uncertainty means there’s a lot of unmet need in our communities. Tim Costello, the chair, pointed out that when so many charities are unsure, it’s a big red flag.
Most of the charity leaders expect their costs to go up in the next year. They’re facing tough competition for funding, skilled workers, and volunteers. Plus, economic downturns and climate issues are making things even harder.
While some see a glimmer of hope in tech advancements and better attitudes from funders, those positives don’t outweigh the bigger worries.
Charities in Australia employ over 1.4 million people and rely on 3.5 million volunteers. They bring in more than $200 billion each year, so their struggles affect a lot of folks.
Some charities might even have to cut back on services just to stay afloat. David Crosbie, the council’s CEO, mentioned that charities have been saying for years that the real costs of helping communities are way higher than what they get funded.
The Salvation Army is feeling the pinch too, especially with the holiday season approaching. A recent poll found that nearly 6.3 million Australians might struggle to pay their rent or mortgage this Christmas.
Many people are planning smaller gatherings this year due to rising costs, and a significant number are reaching out to charities for help, often for the first time.
Major Bruce Harmer from the Salvation Army said they’ve never seen such widespread need in their 140 years of service. It’s heartbreaking to see families in despair during what should be a joyful time.
Every statistic represents real people, and the Salvos see that need every day. It’s a tough situation, and we all need to pay attention.