Government funding

Given that so much campaigning is actually about opposing Government, it might sound counter-intuitive to be trying to raise money from Government!

Actually, there are a range of potential sources for funding. Most Government departments have funding programmes for charities and voluntary groups. Depending on what the nature of the funding programme is, it would be perfectly legitimate to apply for Government funding.

There is a lot of debate about whether Government funding actually co-opts and in effect silences opposition from those that accept it. The Compact between Government and the voluntary sector means that, in theory at least, the independence of charities and voluntary groups remain, even if they do receive Government funding. Some charities argue that receiving Government funding actually makes their voice effective (i.e. ‘you give us money, so you must think we do something valuable, and therefore you should hear what we’ve got to say as well!’). There is certainly no definitive answer about this, but campaigns do need to consider the issue.

Some campaigns will not accept Government funding as a point of principle. For example:

“Greenpeace does not solicit or accept funding from governments, corporations or political parties. Greenpeace neither seeks nor accepts donations which could compromise our independence, aims, objectives or integrity.”

Government may also provide specific support to campaigning groups. In April 2009 the Cabinet Office announced a £750,000 programme, specifically for small campaigning groups.