Examples of charity analysis

A small charity achieving step change: Beat

• Read NPC's analysis of Beat (approximately 20 pages of detailed analysis with a grading grid which rates different aspects of the charity)
• An update (developments in the charity since the long note was written)

In a nutshell
Beat is the leading national charity for people affected by eating disorders. It provides information and support to individuals and families via a helpline and self-help groups; campaigns and provides training to improve services; and challenges the stigma that people with eating disorders face.

Small, issue-specific charities—user-led groups for eating disorders, phobias, speech problems—often struggle to develop beyond a certain point. The niche focus is often a barrier to funding, and though there is often a pool of committed staff and volunteers, it can be hard to reach a wider audience and engage individuals without direct experience of the condition. Many such charities have developed out of the experience of individuals, and remain heavily dependent on founders, or dominated by the view of ex-sufferers. This can be valuable, but it can also lead to a narrow focus—and many struggle to grow.

Beat is an example of an issue-specific charity that has successfully managed to improve its services and reach a wider audience, through a combination of strong leadership and engaged funding.

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