Dorset State of the Sector Report: Challenges & opportunities in 2025

Published on 20 January, 2025

From Karen Loftus – CAN Chief Executive

2025 is not all doom and gloom but it’s not great either – It will be a tough year financially for charities and community groups. Cuts in funding alongside rising demand for services… sound familiar?  That’s my biggest takeaway from our State of the Sector Report.

As Chief Executive at CAN, I’m doing everything I can to secure funding after April. It’s very tough, plus we have to plan for a hike in national insurance that could not have come at a worse time. At the first meeting of the CAN Advisory Council, they also echoed the recommendations from the report, which we’ll use to inform our work and share with partners across all sectors to inform strategic planning.

Why you should read the report:

  • Data-driven insights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of the Dorset charity sector
  • Strategic planning: The report provides actionable recommendations to help charities, community groups, local authorities, and the NHS navigate the coming year.
  • Collaboration is key: By working together, we can ensure that essential services remain available to those who need them most.

What you’ll find in the report:

  • The impact of funding cuts on vital services.
  • How rising demand is straining resources.
  • Practical recommendations for navigating these challenges.

A call to action

We urge you to read and share it with your networks. Working together can overcome these obstacles and ensure a brighter future for the Dorset charity sector.

Download the State of the Sector Report 2024

I’m committed to supporting the Dorset’s charity and community groups. I’m here to discuss the report’s findings and explore collaborative solutions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Karen.loftus@can100.org