In recent years, successive Irish Governments have increasingly relied on community/voluntary sector organisations to deliver services and outcomes that matter to some of the most vulnerable individuals and communities in Ireland. However, the continued capacity of this sector to play a strong and progressive role in service delivery has been severely tested over the past eight years of recession. Sustained cutbacks in organisational funding have been accompanied by increased demand for assistance, from individuals and communities that find themselves under pressure as a result of the well documented social and economic crisis. Within these organisations employees are increasingly expected to do more, with less and for less. Frequently, personal motivation, commitment and energy make the difference between continued provision or the reduction or discontinuation of services.

The purpose of the research summarised in this document is to examine the role of community/voluntary sector organisations and those who work within them in public service provision during the period of the recent economic and social crisis. In particular, the research focuses on the experiences of organisations, frequently described as ‘Section 39’ organisations. In 2014 almost 1900 organisations were supported by Section 39 funding, though within this there were substantial differences in levels of funding, service provision and employment.