LEICESTER, UK. June 3rd, 2026 – Charities are not short on ambition, but they are being held back by unstable income, stretched teams and a lack of practical support, according to new research from Gambit Insurance Solutions.
The 2026 Charity Sector Support Index, based on responses from 1,274 charities, voluntary organisations and community groups, reveals the biggest areas where UK charities need help to deliver more impact and reach more people.
The findings show that funding and income generation remains the most common challenge, with 28.6% of respondents saying they need support in this area. Volunteer and people capacity followed closely behind, with 20% of charities citing it as a current pressure point, while 17.7% said they needed help running, expanding or maintaining frontline services.
The research paints a picture of a sector under sustained pressure. Many charities are facing rising demand, increased running costs and limited internal capacity, while still trying to maintain essential services for the communities they support.
The report also found that one in ten charities need help with digital, IT and data, including basic equipment such as laptops, software systems and CRMs. Premises, facilities and estates were cited by 8.6% of respondents, while 8% highlighted the need for support with equipment and core resources.
Gambit Insurance Solutions says the findings show that charities need more than advice. They need practical help, stronger partnerships and more reliable support from businesses, funders and sector partners.
Ajay Mistry, Founder of Gambit Insurance Solutions, said: “Charities are not lacking ideas, ambition or commitment. What comes through clearly in this research is that many are being held back by a lack of time, headroom and practical support.
“Funding is still the biggest issue, but the findings also show how closely that links to volunteer capacity, service delivery, digital tools, premises and governance. When a charity does not have enough people, outdated systems, rising costs or insecure funding, it affects every part of its work.
“We created the Charity Sector Support Index to better understand what charities are asking for in 2026, but also to encourage more organisations and businesses to think seriously about how they can help. The sector needs partners who are willing to offer practical support, open doors and contribute to long-term resilience.”
Among the key findings from the Charity Sector Support Index:
- 28.6% of charities surveyed said they need help with funding and income generation
- 20% cited volunteers and people capacity as a current area of need
- 17.7% referenced the need to run, maintain or expand services
- One in ten charities said they need help with digital, IT and data
- 8.6% said they need help with premises, facilities and estates
- 8% highlighted equipment and core resources as a major area of support
Other themes identified in the report include marketing and communications, governance and compliance, risk management, safeguarding, insurance clarity, partnerships and introductions to corporate supporters.
The research found that many charities are seeking core or unrestricted funding, support with grant applications, help recruiting and retaining volunteers, improved IT systems, safer premises and greater visibility among supporters, beneficiaries and potential partners.
According to Gambit Insurance Solutions, the findings underline three core needs across the charity sector: more stable income, more capacity and more resilience.
The Charity Sector Support Index has been published as part of Gambit Insurance Solutions’ wider commitment to supporting charities beyond insurance.
Ajay Mistry added: “This is not just a report about challenges. It is also a call to action. If businesses want to support the charity sector in a meaningful way, this research gives them a clear starting point.
“Charities are asking for help with the things that keep services running: funding, volunteers, equipment, premises, digital tools, governance and visibility. Those might not always be the most glamorous needs, but they are often the things that make the biggest difference day to day.”
The full 2026 Charity Sector Support Index is available on the Gambit Insurance Solutions website.
