After the elections: civil society must help shape what comes next

The dust is beginning to settle following major elections in Wales and Scotland and significant changes in political leadership and control across many local authorities in England.

For civil society, the message is clear: we are entering a new political era, and charities and fundraisers must be ready to help shape it. 

Election campaigns are often dominated by immediate pressures on public services, the economy, housing, healthcare, cost of living.

To be honest, we didn’t always get to hear much about these during these recent campaigns and we definitely didn’t hear much about how we as a sector can partner with decision makers to deliver change. But now that the ballots have been counted, governments – both national and local - face a much bigger question: how do we rebuild stronger, more resilient communities in a period of continuing financial and social strain? 

The answer cannot rest with politicians alone. 

Across the UK, charities and community organisations are already providing essential support, reaching people who too often fall through the gaps, strengthening social connections, and helping communities thrive. But if civil society is to play the role communities need, governments at every level must see charities not simply as delivery partners, but as long-term strategic allies. 

That starts with a different conversation about sustainability. 

Too often, civil society funding remains short term, highly restricted and reactive. One-year settlements and narrowly defined grants make it harder for organisations to plan, invest in skills and leadership, or build the fundraising capacity needed to reduce long-term dependence on public funding.

Fundraising is not an “extra”. It is not administrative overhead. It is part of the infrastructure that enables civil society to survive and grow.

When organisations can invest in fundraising, they become more resilient, attract additional voluntary income, deepen relationships with supporters and communities, and strengthen their independence. In a period when governments face impossible fiscal choices, supporting sustainable fundraising should be seen as part of the solution, helping charities diversify income and maximise impact.

The political picture is now more complex than it was even a few days ago. New administrations, shifting alliances and different political priorities will shape decision making across Wales, Scotland and local government in England. The recent elections point to a more fragmented and plural political environment than many charities have been used to navigating.

 That means civil society must adapt too. 

We will need to build relationships earlier, engage across party lines, and make a stronger case for the role fundraising and philanthropy play in supporting healthier communities and stronger local economies. Advocacy cannot wait until funding decisions are made. The conversation about civil society must happen at the centre of policy making from the start.

The UK government’s Civil Society Covenant has already helped establish some important principles around partnership, respect and long-term thinking between government and the sector. The challenge now is ensuring similar principles are reflected in practice by new governments in Cardiff Bay and Holyrood, and by local leaders, regardless of political leadership or geography.  

The opportunity is significant. 

New governments often bring fresh thinking, new priorities and a willingness to do things differently. At a time of profound change, civil society has an opportunity to help shape the future, not simply react to it. 

But that requires confidence from our sector too. We must make the case clearly: if governments want stronger communities, healthier democracies and more resilient public services, then investing in a sustainable, confident and well-supported civil society is not optional.

And at the heart of that sits fundraising - enabling charities to build the long-term resilience communities need.