Charity campaigners say "they are stretched thin" as they look to tackle multiple priorities following their toughest year yet for campaigning.

They say they are battling threats to campaigning, democracy and the wellbeing of individuals and communities they are campaigning for.

The findings have emerged in the latest annual report on campaigning by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK), which involved the views of 166 campaigners, four in five of which work for registered charities.

"Campaigners tell us that things are worse for campaigning now than ever before," says SMK's report.

“Society, politics, economics, and technology are all in flux,” it adds, which is further compounding the challenges they face.

The report warns that while “campaigners have the will to address these big social and political tides” they do not feel “they have the tools, knowledge, mandate, networks, or energy to effectively respond”.

'Draconian protest laws'

The rise of the far right, “draconian protest laws”, societal division, misinformation “and hate”, are among specific challenges campaigners face, SMK warns.

One respondent said: “Even though I am clear on what the law allows re campaigning, [my organisation is] very risk averse and worried about 'getting it wrong'.”

SMK urges campaigners to reflect on the challenges they face and ask “is it time to do something different?”.

“This is not about abandoning your mission, repurposing your organisation, and storming the barricades,” adds its report.

“It is about reflecting on your purpose and asking whether ‘business as usual’ is still a reasonable response to events. It is about asking how hope might give you the courage and imagination to shift your approach, to protect and pursue your long-term vision.”

Ways campaigners are adapting include collaborating with others through “better networks, stronger relationships, and human-level conversations”.

SMK found that over the last decade campaigners feel their work is needed more. While in 2016 86% said there is a need for civil society to campaign, this has risen to 98% in 2025.

Last month a report by NGO organisation Bond raised concerns about an erosion of rights to protest and in particular the Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently passing through parliament.

Bond warned this is the third piece of primary legislation on public order and protest in the last four years and gives police more powers to restrict protest rights and new powers of arrest, as well as to control the routes and times of demonstrations.

The government’s use of terrorism laws against campaign group Palestine Action is another concern. Earlier this year judges have ruled that the government’s listing of the group as a terrorist organisation is unlawful, although ministers are appealing this decision.

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