More charities were removed from the official register in Sussex last year than were created, underlining the strain facing voluntary organisations as they navigate rising costs and uncertain income.
Figures from the Charity Commission show that 107 charities were registered across Sussex in 2025, while 125 were removed. Removal does not necessarily signal failure – organisations may merge or complete their purpose – but the net decline reflects a sector under pressure.
The regional picture echoes national trends. The Status of UK Fundraising 2025 report found that more than half of charities saw their fundraising income either stagnate or fall over the past year, with many attributing this to wider economic conditions. At the same time, demand for support continues to rise. Research from Charities Aid Foundation suggests that, on average, 22% of Sussex residents rely on charitable services.
For many organisations, the challenge is no longer immediate survival but long-term sustainability.
Rising costs, tighter margins
Operational expenses – from energy bills to staffing – have climbed sharply in recent years, while fundraising has become more competitive. For smaller charities in particular, the margin for error has narrowed.
Adam Tier, head of underwriting at Ansvar Insurance, which specialises in the charity and not-for-profit sector, said the figures point to the need for strategic thinking rather than short-term fixes.
“Sussex has always had an incredibly active charity sector, but these figures show just how challenging the current environment has become. Rising operational costs, a more competitive fundraising landscape and increased demand with an average of 22% of Sussex residents relying on charitable services mean organisations need to think differently about sustainability,” he said.
Collaboration over competition
One response, sector specialists argue, is greater collaboration. Formal partnerships between charities serving similar groups can reduce overheads by sharing back-office functions, premises or training. Joint fundraising bids may also strengthen applications to grant-makers increasingly focused on scale and measurable impact.
Another shift is towards cultivating long-term supporters rather than relying on one-off donations. Regular updates and sustained engagement can convert occasional donors into monthly givers, creating more predictable income streams.
Tier also urged charities to review their exposure to risk. “Financial sustainability isn’t just about raising more money. Often, it’s about taking a fresh look at existing processes and asking the right questions. The organisations that thrive are those that plan ahead, understand their risks and adapt early, positioning themselves to weather these challenges and continue serving their communities for years to come.”
As services evolve, he added, organisations should ensure their governance, compliance and insurance arrangements reflect their current activities – avoiding both unnecessary costs and gaps in protection.
Commitment endures
Despite the pressures, the registration of more than 100 new charities in Sussex last year signals that community appetite to address social need remains strong.
Ansvar, which is based in Brighton, has opened its Community Hub – a free professional workspace at its head office – to local charities for meetings and training sessions, part of a wider push to bolster resilience across the sector.
For Sussex’s voluntary organisations, 2026 begins with a mixed picture: contraction on paper, but determination on the ground. The task now is not only to endure, but to adapt.
