The voluntary sector has traditionally relied on public or private funding to achieve it's social aims. Limited funding and short-term projects inevitably leads to prioritising in training, expenditure and development. Using and funding ICT is one area that tends to be classed as less important by voluntary organisations. 

Without free or subsidised support, many voluntary organisations lack the time, expertise and staff to integrate ICT into strategic planning and service delivery. However, ICT is becoming vital in helping voluntary sector organisations achieve their objectives. 

Funding for specific ICT projects is sporadic, short-term and all too often focused upon providing hardware for organisations, rather than the development and upskilling that is required for voluntary organisations to understand what ICT can do for them, what they can use it for and how to achieve their goals more effectively and more efficiently through the use of ICT. 

Small to medium sized organisations, who form the majority of the sector, are particularly lacking in funding and skills to utilise ICT effectively. Spending on ICT usually occurs on an ad hoc basis, when an emergency occurs. Very few of these organisations have any dedicated ICT staff.

Funding for ICT is sought by some organisations, and equipment is bought, but use is limited, and the funding does not include technical support, training or staff development. Many small voluntary groups rely on volunteers or assistance from funded projects such as the CVC Circuit Riders. Until they have developed the skills and knowledge to utilise ICT to increase their efficiency, many groups do not recognise the value of ICT.  It is through working with projects, such as the Circuit Rider initiative, that many groups learn the benefits of using ICT in their organisations, and take the first steps towards developing an ICT strategy. Funded ICT support projects are short term though, and often limited in budget. What happens when the funding runs out?

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