Why adaptation, collaboration, and clarity matter more than ever
09 Feb 2026
By Holly Foskett- A&B NI Arts Programme Manager.
Oh hi its me again, Arts Programme Manager Holly Foskett, talking about the changing landscape of Trusts and Foundations - surprise surprise! Ahead of our upcoming Fundraising Symposium, I’ve been reflecting on the evolving fundraising landscape, and the role T&F fundraising can play in shaping it. As many fundraisers know the past year has been an interesting one when it comes to Trusts & Foundations fundraising.
Trusts and foundations continue to play an increasingly significant role in funding the UK’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. In 2023–24, more than 14,000 grant makers collectively gave over £23 billion, representing a 7% increase on the previous year and accounting for an estimated 18–22% of total VCSE sector income (UKGrantmaking). This growth builds on earlier trends, with foundation grant making now exceeding government grant funding to charities (Foundations in Focus 2025.pdf)
Within, the context of the Northern Ireland arts sector- there's a different picture. Arts Council NI (ACNI) stats suggest earned income and public funding are the two biggest income sources for arts orgs with T&F income lagging significantly behind. In Northern Ireland, (Annual Funding Survey Findings 2023-24 | Arts Council NI) tracks income and expenditure among arts organisations funded by the Arts Council NI. In the most recent year (2023/24), it estimates that, based on responses from 84 organisations, their total income was approximately £56.3m, of which:
• £24.5m (Earned Income)
• £12.7m (ACNI Funding)
• £14.7m (Other Public Funding and Capital Income)
• £3.1m (Trusts and Foundations)
• £1.2m (Sponsorship and Donations)
However, this headline growth overall in the wider sector and UK, fronts a far more complex and changeable funding environment. Demand for grants has risen sharply, with many funders reporting dramatic spikes in application volumes. At the same time, fundraisers report significant disruption across the landscape: over 400 funders have either spent out their funds or paused applications altogether, creating real-time pressure for charities seeking support( Foundations umbrella body says pauses on grants could benefit charities x The List - UK Grant & Foundation Funding Changes). While overall giving remains high, many foundations are operating with relatively flat endowments, raising concerns about the sustainability of current spending levels.
Funder behaviour has become increasingly visible. Many funders have introduced extended pauses, moved to invitation-only models, or reduced the length of application window. Others have tightened or changed their criteria, meaning organisations that were previously well aligned are no longer eligible.
Between March 2024 and October 2025 alone, there were 422 recorded changes across 283 funders, illustrating the scale and pace of flux within the funding landscape. Health, Social Welfare and the Arts were the most affected thematic areas, reflecting both rising social need and heightened competition. (The List - UK Grant & Foundation Funding Changes)
The impact of these changes on fundraising teams has been significant. Across the cultural sector in NI, we see:
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Higher rejection rates are becoming the norm, making it harder for fundraisers to report progress confidently to boards and senior teams.
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Average grant sizes are falling, even as application workloads increase.
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Fundraising teams (and most cases individuals) are spending more time on prospect research and due diligence, and applications are becoming more tightly tailored to increasingly specific criteria.
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Long-standing “warm” funders have, in some cases, paused or shifted priorities, leaving organisations suddenly misaligned and forcing a rethink of established funding strategies. As a result, prospecting and long-term planning have become markedly more difficult.
Despite these pressures, opportunities still currently remain:
- There is still a strong appetite for giving, with many foundations choosing to spend more in response to rising need.
- Collaborative funding models, pooled funds and multi-year grants are becoming more common, offering greater stability for some organisations.
- Organisations that can present clear, data-driven cases for support-and demonstrate measurable impact-are better placed to stand out in an increasingly crowded field.
- Diversifying income streams, including major donors, individual giving and partnership, continues to be a key resilience strategy.
When we look at the fundraising landscape as a whole, it’s clear that the challenges facing arts organisations are real. But so is our commitment to helping the sector adapt and thrive in a changing environment.
For 13 years, our annual Trusts & Foundations Symposium focused on raising the profile of Northern Ireland’s arts organisations with UK funders and creating meaningful connections between funders and potential grantees. While that work remains vital, the landscape has evolved, bringing new pressures not only for organisations seeking support, but for funders themselves.
In response, we’ve launched a new Fundraising Symposium designed to meet this challenge. It will support organisations at every stage of their fundraising journey, offering practical insight, fresh thinking and space to connect. Attendees will hear directly from experienced fundraisers and leading experts, sharing perspectives on current opportunities and strategic approaches. A plenary session will be followed by breakout workshops, helping you strengthen your case for support, shape your fundraising strategy and demonstrate your impact to funders. Together, we hope to equip the sector with the tools, knowledge and networks needed to navigate what’s next.
A&BNI Fundraising Symposium
12 March 2026
Find out more and book here
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More Events to Support Your Fundraising Journey
Strengthen your confidence and capability as a fundraiser with our Arts Fundraising Bootcamp-a practical, energising training programme designed to support arts professionals at every stage of their development. Across this focused, hands-on experience, we’ll unpack effective fundraising approaches, explore real-world examples, and equip you with tools you can put into practice straight away. This runs from April-October with various sessions focusing on philanthropy, individual giving, trusts & foundations and so much more! Book your spot here
Fundraising Connections -a quarterly networking and information session for those fundraising within the arts and cultural sector to collaborate by sharing ideas, resources, fundraising tips, successes, losses, potential funders and more. These future events will cover insights and knowledge from others in our A&B NI member network and experts on various topics. Already we have covered elements on patron schemes, individual giving, applications and the last one I got into a conversation about bog people and the bogs around Ireland- nothing to do with fundraising but still very insightful! Book your spot here.
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If you are interested in finding out more about Trusts & Foundations or any other aspects fundraising for your organisation - get in touch. If you are an A&B NI member, we have many resources and guides that can help via our A&B NI member Hub. Or get in contact with us directly to help discuss your fundraising journey with Trusts & Foundations - h.foskett@artsandbusinessni.org.uk
Our Funders & Partners
Arts & Business NI is generously supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
