Catherine Gage discusses how small charities can thrive with Philanthropy Impact Magazine

Catherine’s comments were published in Philanthropy Impact Magazine, 4 June 2026, and can be seen on page 41 of the Spring Issue here.

Catherine Gage, Associate in our Charities team, talks about how proximity and shared environments are powerful yet often overlooked ways to support small charities. 

She highlights that being co-located can foster collaboration, creativity and trust, helping organisations with limited resources work more effectively and demonstrate their value in a demanding regulatory and funding landscape.

At the same time, small charities face increasing compliance pressures, including GDPR, safeguarding, and Charity Commission requirements. The 2026 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) introduces a more proportionate, tiered reporting framework, easing the burden on smaller organisations while still requiring all charities to clearly explain what they do, why it matters, and the public benefit they deliver.

Catherine discusses the Cambridge Conservation Initiative as an example of how shared spaces can enhance impact through informal collaboration, shared services and stronger fundraising. However, it stresses that trustees must retain full governance responsibility. Collaboration and delegation can improve efficiency, but they must be carefully structured, aligned with each charity’s objects, and subject to proper oversight.

Ultimately, the sector is moving towards clearer, more meaningful impact reporting, scaled by size. By embracing collaborative, experience-led environments while maintaining strong governance, even the smallest charities can increase their effectiveness, sustainability and ability to demonstrate impact.

Read the full article in Philanthropy Impact Magazine [external link].