I want to take a moment to share an important update about Northumberland Community and Voluntary Action.
Like many organisations across the voluntary and community sector, we have been facing sustained challenges due to changes in funding and the continued absence of long-term, sustainable investment. Demand for support continues to grow, yet organisations are increasingly required to compete for short-term funding, often against larger organisations, to deliver essential grassroots services. In many cases, sustainability and core infrastructure costs are not fully recognised within funding models, and increasing monitoring and administrative requirements are further reducing capacity across the sector.
Despite significant efforts to secure new opportunities, this environment has made it increasingly difficult to maintain the range and stability of services we have been proud to deliver over many years. As a result, Northumberland CVA will move into a period of hibernation over the coming weeks while we await the outcome of funding already submitted.
This is a deeply challenging moment, not only for our organisation, but for the sector more widely. Across communities, trusted local organisations are being placed in positions where they must compete against one another to sustain vital services, often without the long-term investment needed to make those services viable. This reflects a wider systemic issue in how community services are funded and supported.
Northumberland CVA has been at the heart of communities for almost 40 years. In that time, we have supported thousands of individuals, hundreds of organisations, and countless community initiatives, helping people to connect, volunteer, build confidence, and feel part of something. We were looking ahead to celebrating that milestone next year. Instead, we find ourselves taking time to reflect on what has been achieved and what is at risk of being lost.
What we are most proud of is not just the scale of that work, but the depth of it. From tackling isolation and digital exclusion, to strengthening grassroots organisations and amplifying community voice, the impact of this work will continue to be felt and carried forward in communities.
This impact has been made possible by an exceptional team who have consistently gone above and beyond to support communities, often in the most challenging of circumstances. Their professionalism, compassion and commitment have been at the core of everything Northumberland CVA has achieved. As a membership organisation, we have also been proud to stand alongside and support hundreds of community groups and organisations each year.
This has had a significant impact on our team, and our immediate focus is on supporting our staff, volunteers and partners through this transition, recognising the wider pressures currently being experienced across the sector. This moment also highlights the importance of sustained investment in community infrastructure and the vital role that Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIO’s) play in building resilient, connected communities.
Over the coming weeks, we will also be sharing reflections on the work delivered, the communities supported and the impact achieved over many years, recognising the people, partnerships and moments that have shaped Northumberland CVA.
We know how valued these services are and we share in the disappointment this news may bring. We remain hopeful and committed to exploring every opportunity to continue supporting communities in the future.
As we move into this period of hibernation, capacity will be significantly reduced. From 1st May 2026, there will be limited staff in post to respond to enquiries. We understand this may be disappointing and appreciate your understanding during this transition.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has been part of Northumberland CVA’s journey. Your support, commitment and belief in the importance of community has been at the heart of everything we have achieved together. The impact we have made together will continue to be felt and carried forward in communities.
Supporting groups during this transition
We recognise that many organisations currently work closely with Northumberland CVA for governance support, organisational development, payroll, accounts, volunteering infrastructure and organisational health checks.
We understand that this update may raise questions about continuity, responsibilities and next steps. Our immediate priority is to manage this transition responsibly and with care, ensuring that organisations are supported as clearly and transparently as possible.
We are currently reviewing all live support arrangements and will contact groups directly where services may be affected, to discuss timelines, options and any necessary handover or signposting.
Please be assured that we are approaching this process with professionalism and with the interests of member organisations firmly in mind, while funding outcomes are awaited.
We recognise the pressures that groups are currently under and remain committed to acting in a way that supports stability across the community and voluntary sector.
Northumberland CVA – Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening at Northumberland CVA?
Northumberland CVA is experiencing significant funding challenges due to changes in the wider funding environment across the voluntary and community sector. Despite extensive efforts to secure new funding, this has affected our ability to sustain services at their current level.
As a result, the organisation is preparing to move into a temporary period of hibernation while we await the outcome of funding applications already submitted.
What does “hibernation” mean in practice?
Hibernation means a temporary pause or reduction in core service delivery, rather than closure of the organisation.
This period allows the organisation to:
- Manage existing commitments responsibly
- Support staff, partners and members through transition
- Await funding outcomes that could enable future activity
- Protect the organisation’s long-term viability
It is a strategic pause, not an end point.
Is Northumberland CVA closing?
No. The organisation is not closing.
However, without confirmed funding, we cannot operate at previous levels. Hibernation allows the organisation to pause activity responsibly while exploring every viable opportunity to continue supporting communities in the future.
What does this mean for staff?
This has been a deeply challenging situation for staff, and the organisation recognises the uncertainty and emotional impact this brings.
The immediate focus has been on:
- Acting responsibly and lawfully as an employer
- Supporting staff through change with professionalism and care
- Being open and transparent, within the limits of what can be confirmed at this stage
Where staff roles are affected, steps have been taken in line with organisational policies and legal requirements.
Are staff being supported during this transition?
Yes. Supporting staff wellbeing, dignity and professionalism has been a core consideration throughout this process.
The organisation recognises the exceptional contribution of staff over many years and the wider pressures being experienced across the sector.
Will staff be re-engaged if funding is secured?
If funding bids are successful, the organisation will consider how activity can be restarted, subject to the funder requirements, organisational capacity and circumstances at that time.
At present, no guarantees can be made, but the value of staff expertise and experience is fully recognised.
What is the trustees’ role in this situation?
Trustees are fulfilling their legal and charitable duties by:
- Ensuring the organisation acts responsibly and within its means
- Making decisions in the best long-term interests of the charity
- Supporting the move into hibernation to protect the organisation’s future
- Providing oversight and stewardship during a period of uncertainty
These decisions reflect the challenging external environment facing the sector as a whole.
Are trustees confident due process has been followed?
Yes. Decisions have been made carefully, with appropriate advice and with significant effort to secure funding before reaching this point.
The situation reflects wider systemic funding pressures across the sector, rather than issues with governance or decision-making at organisational level.
What does this mean for organisations currently supported by NCVA?
We recognise that some organisations currently rely on NCVA for:
- Governance and organisational development
- Payroll and accounts
- Volunteering infrastructure
- Organisational health checks and LIO support
All live arrangements are being reviewed carefully. Where services may be affected, we will aim to contact organisations directly, where capacity allows:
- Timelines
- Options
- Handover or signposting, where appropriate
Our priority is to manage this process responsibly and transparently.
Should groups be concerned about immediate withdrawal of support?
Given the current funding situation, Northumberland CVA is not able to continue delivering support at previous levels.
Over the coming weeks, support will be carefully transitioned and in some cases, withdrawn in a managed way. Where organisations are currently receiving support, we will aim to communicate clearly about timescales, options and any appropriate signposting.
We recognise the pressures groups are facing and will approach this process with professionalism and care, while capacity allows.
Who should partners contact with questions?
Where possible, partners should use existing points of contact during the transition period. Please note that capacity is limited, and responses may be delayed or not possible as the organisation moves into hibernation.
Are funding applications still live?
Yes. Funding applications have been submitted and are currently pending.
The move into hibernation is intended to allow time for these outcomes while protecting the organisation from further financial risk.
What happens if funding is secured?
If funding is awarded, the organisation will:
- Review the terms and scope of funded activity
- Consider what services can be restarted and how
- Communicate clearly with members, partners and communities
Any restart would depend on the specific funding conditions and organisational capacity at that time.
What happens if funding is not secured?
It would not be responsible to speculate. Trustees and leadership will continue to act in the best interests of the organisation, its members and the communities it has served, based on the circumstances at that point.
Northumberland CVA remains immensely proud of nearly 40 years of community impact, partnership working and grassroots support.
While this is a period of transition and uncertainty, the organisation remains committed to acting with integrity, care and professionalism, recognising the communities, organisations and people who have been part of its journey.