This report builds on the previous two - published in May and December 2020 respectively and how small charities have fared since the first national lockdown in March 2020. This provides a snapshot of the experiences of small charities throughout the crisis.

In it, we share our most recent findings of how charities are emerging from the peak of the winter crisis and third national lockdown, and how they are adapting to meet the acute and complex needs of their communities while facing their own challenges. 

These findings are based on conversations with over 401 charities and analysis of those responses to identify themes and trends as well as feedback from the development and grant-making teams between November 2020 - May 2021.

The story that emerges is of charities stepping up to the encompassing challenges of COVID-19, adapting rapidly to the changing needs of the communities they serve, the staff, and volunteers.

The report is split into five key areas:

1. Charities showing up for communities
2. Funding for small charities
3. Digital as an enabler and barrier
4. Investing in staff and a focus on wellbeing
5. The year ahead

This report also shares lessons for funders, central and local government, and for small charities themselves.