I think volunteering will save the world one day. Time and again, when the chips are down in Wales, it’s communities that step up – people come together, support each other, and create their own solutions.

Volunteering saved my life once. It showed me I could move on from homelessness and be useful for something. Too many years to mention later, I’ve become the CEO of WCVA – I consider myself the fairy ‘godmamgu’ for Wales, and I couldn’t be more passionate about it. 

The Welsh voluntary and community sector is just epic. There are 46,000 organisations and almost a million volunteers – good people doing good things simply because it’s the right thing to do. 

But it’s not all soft and fluffy. Voluntary organisations are professional, delivering essential services, safeguarding the vulnerable, and employing 10% of the Welsh workforce. We’re a huge contributor to the national economy – and the glue holding our society together. 

We’re a huge contributor to the national economy – and the glue holding our society together.

Sadly, that glue is under real pressure. 

Demand on services is up, and the needs people present with are more complex. It’s harder to recruit staff, and many long-serving volunteers are stepping down. Financially, the minimum wage rise and National Insurance changes have hit hard. Not every organisation will survive. The sector is seeing the highest merger rate in seven years. 

Funding rooted in reality

If we want a stronger future for our sector, we need funding that’s rooted in reality – shaped by people who understand the pressure, the complexity, and the potential in our communities. 

That’s why it matters who sits around the table. Right now, there’s an opportunity to step forward as a Trustee of a new Community Benefit Fund, being created by Bute Energy. This independent charitable organisation will manage long-term grant funding for communities near its onshore wind energy parks. 

They’re looking for people with experience – from the voluntary, public or private sectors – who know what real impact looks like. If you’ve worked in areas like health, education, climate, cost of living, culture or employment, your insight could help shape how this fund supports Welsh communities. 

Becoming a Trustee isn’t just a title. It’s a way to help ensure that the right money reaches the right places – in a fair, strategic, and people-centred way. 

So if you’ve ever wished you had a say in where funding goes, or how it’s awarded – this is your chance. 

Of course, no single fund or board can solve everything.

Politically, we’re heading into a period of real uncertainty. WCVA is working closely with the sector to prepare our key manifesto asks for the 2026 election. We want to ensure the voice of volunteers is heard across Cabinet – because no programme for government can be delivered without a thriving, resourced voluntary sector. 

And on top of all this, we’re seeing a troubling rise in hate – not just in communities, but directed at charities. It’s affecting more than just refugee and equality organisations. Even environmental groups are feeling the pressure. Most charities don’t have PR teams to deal with this – and every moment spent responding to hostility is time taken from helping people. 

Be Part of the Solution

Making change happen takes all of us – funders, volunteers, charities, businesses, and communities – standing together. Whether that’s offering flexible funding, supporting staff to volunteer, or sharing expertise in a boardroom, solidarity matters. 

But right now, one of the most powerful things you can do – especially if you understand what this sector needs – is to apply to become a Trustee for the Community Benefit Fund. It’s a practical, long-term way to use your voice and your experience for the good of Wales. 

If you believe in the strength of this sector, and you want to be part of shaping its future – now’s the time. 

Come on in – the water’s lovely.