What a difference a faith makes
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Following an 18-month programme of research into the role of faith-based charities, here we draw together the key findings of this work. We outline what makes faith-based charities unique, the contribution they make to the wider charity sector, and the challenges and opportunities they face.
Faith is deeply embedded in the charity sector. More than a quarter of charities in Great Britain have an association with faith. In some areas of work, like overseas aid and human rights, faith-based charities make up almost half of the charities focusing on a particular issue. But how well do we understand how the influence of faith impacts the work of these charities?
This report is the final output of an 18-month programme of research into the role of faith-based charities. Here we draw together the key findings of this work, exploring the following questions:
- What is a faith-based charity?
- What do we know about the faith-based sector?
- What strengths and challenges does being faith-based bring?
Drawing on desk research, a survey of faith-based charities, and in-depth qualitative interviews with charities, funders and key stakeholders, we outline the unique nature of these organisations, the contribution they make to the wider charity sector, and the challenges and opportunities they face. We also make some recommendations for how the role faith-based organisations play can be better understood, and better appreciated.
Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @NPCthinks using #FaithCharities.
More from our research on faith-based charities

Resources
Understanding faith-based charities
On 25 April 2016.
Initial data from NPC's programme of research on faith-based charities showing they represent 27% of charities in Great Britain.

Resources
Faith matters: Understanding faith-based charities
On 17 June 2016.
As part of our work exploring the role of faith-based charities—27% of the charity sector—we taker a look at some of the attributes of this group of organisations.

Resources
Questions of faith
On 16 December 2014.
Today we can say with some certainty that the role of faith-based charities in the charity sector is changing; as is the context in which they work.