INGO Survey Report
Analysing the challenges and opportunities for INGOs as they assess ‘What’s next?’ for 2025 and beyond.
Thought Leadership
This is a period of great challenge for the INGO sector, as it navigates an increasingly complex and evolving global landscape.
In this context, culture has emerged as a critical differentiator. Our 2025 INGO Conference focused on the theme of culture because the organisations that we see adapting most effectively are those with a culture that supports their people, stays focused on their mission and embraces change.
Over the six-week conference, we heard from a range of speakers from across the sector about their experience as employees, leaders, advisers and trustees. Despite their diversity, one message was consistent: culture matters. Whether that is a culture of resilience when working in a fragile context or a culture of mission focus where organisational norms and programmes are questioned to achieve real change for beneficiaries.
In early 2025, in advance of the conference, we carried out our annual survey of INGOs. This report takes the results of that survey, the learnings from the conference and our broader interactions with senior leaders and board members in the first half of the year to summarise the state of the sector at that time.
Top three challenges identified by respondents
Raising unrestricted income
Raising unrestricted income
Raising project funding
Raising project funding
Cuts to previously secured income
Cuts to previously secured income
Register your interest for our 2026 INGO conference
"We are literally living through the most consequential stage of a ‘chrysalis’ process, where transformation is within reach, but so is collapse. We must embrace the fact that navigating through a metamorphosis is not a management challenge: it is a profound test of vision, courage and will."
Bill Tolliver, Founder and Executive Director
Matale Line
Webinars
INGO Conference
Register your interest for our 2026 INGO conference: four-part webinar series.
Our INGO Conference is held annually; typically, it takes the form of a four-part webinar series that covers a range of topics and shares useful industry tips.
Contact us
Our team are embedded in the sector and provide a seamless extension to your team. Our national support and international reach mean we’re able to offer you holistic advice on key issues while also giving you access to local experts who are invested in your organisation’s journey.
