24% of Charities Uncertain About Sustaining Services Amid Funding Issues, The Wheel Reports

A survey by The Wheel, conducted in February and March among over 100 charities, revealed that 24% are uncertain about sustaining existing services this year due to systemic funding issues. The Wheel estimates that registered charities contribute €32 billion annually to the Irish economy and employ over 281,000 people.

Staffing is a critical challenge, with 38% of organizations struggling to recruit or retain staff, primarily due to uncompetitive pay. Almost half (46%) of respondents did not receive additional funding from Workplace Relations Commission agreements to increase salaries, as they were not funded under Section 39/56/10/40 arrangements. Only 27% receive multi-annual funding, leaving many reliant on short-term arrangements that hinder long-term planning.

Administrative pressures have also increased, with 72% reporting higher compliance and reporting requirements. One-third (33%) lack the capacity or funding to meet these obligations, often submitting the same data to multiple State bodies. Top policy priorities identified were multi-annual funding, State funding for non-pay costs, and funding for compliance. The Wheel's Director of Policy and Advocacy, Dónall Geoghegan, stated the sector is «stretched to its limits» and called for reform to prevent undermining essential organizations.