More Devon charities closed than opened last year, as sector faces growing pressure

Charities across Devon entered the new year facing a complex operating environment, as fresh Charity Commission data reveals more organisations were removed from the register last year than newly established ones.

According to the Charity Commission, 73 charities were registered in Devon during 2025, while 98 were removed.

Removal from the register can include mergers or charities completing their purpose, but the figures highlight the ongoing pressures within the voluntary sector as organisations adapt to rising costs, regulatory demands and changing funding patterns.

This local picture mirrors national trends. The Status of UK Fundraising 2025 report found that 54% of UK charities saw their fundraising income remain static or fall over the past year, with a substantial majority attributing this to wider economic conditions. While income is not universally declining, many organisations are having to work harder to maintain stability.

Ansvar Insurance, a specialist insurer for charities and not‑for‑profit organisations, says the challenge is less about short-term survival and more about long-term sustainability.

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “Devon 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 20% of Devon residents relying on charitable services [1] mean organisations need to think differently about sustainability.”

To help local organisations strengthen their resilience, Ansvar is encouraging charities to explore less obvious strategies that can make a meaningful difference:

1. Build practical partnerships: Formal partnerships with organisations serving similar beneficiaries can reduce overheads through shared back-office functions, joint fundraising and collaborative grant bids, while strengthening funding applications.
2. Focus on long-term supporter relationships: Nurturing existing supporters through regular updates and consistent storytelling can help convert into monthly giving, providing greater stability than one-off donations.
3. Review insurance and risk exposure: A risk assessment can highlight duplicated cover or gaps in protection. As services evolve, charities should ensure their insurance reflects current activities to avoid unnecessary costs or unexpected exposures.

Despite the pressures, the registration of more than 70 new charities in Devon during 2025 demonstrates the commitment of local communities to addressing social need.

As Adam Tier added: “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.”

[1] https://www.cafonline.org/insights/research/uk-local-giving-report-2025#interMap