Europe 1 with AFP 12:48 p.m., June 27, 2022

After two years of health crisis, the situation of associations is considered "very tense", according to a study published by the Research and Solidarity network carried out among 2,776 association managers.

Among the topics of greatest concern, volunteer resources, leadership renewal and financial situations topped the list.

“The situation remains very tense” in associations after two years of health crisis, in particular concerning the number of volunteers, according to a study published Monday by the network of Research and Solidarity (R&S) experts.

According to this survey, carried out from April 26 to May 30, 2022 among 2,776 association leaders, the situation is only considered good by 36% of the leaders questioned.

"In terms of volunteer resources, the situation remains very tense," said R&S.

"Volunteer human resources available for activities" is the subject that most worries managers "for the coming months": 63% of them are worried about it, i.e. three points more than in a previous study. in 2019.

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47% are very concerned about "renewal of leaders", a stable figure for three years, and 37% about the financial situation and the decrease in the number of members, a jump of 12 points since 2019.

Financial and recognition needs

Expectations of support relate for 44% to "recognition of the civic role and social utility" of associations as well as to financial means, 33% asking for administrative simplifications.

The survey also distinguishes associations with employees, of which 55% want more financial means;

an increase of 14 points, of those without employees, who ask 47% for recognition of the role of citizen and social utility, plus 6 points in three years.

The study highlights the concerns of the leaders of small associations, those whose annual budget is less than 10,000 euros, whose "general situation today and for tomorrow is more often considered difficult".

Depending on their field of intervention, association leaders express different concerns.

In social action, there is "greater concern with the evolution of public policies and relations with state services".

In health, the general situation is considered more difficult today and for the months to come.

There is more concern in the associations involved in education and training "about voluntary resources", a concern that is also found in the sports field.

In cultural action, the situation is a little more favorable with regard to voluntary work, but more financial difficulties are concentrated there.