Concerns grow over budget cuts affecting voluntary organizations in Denmark

Newly elected treasurers in small organizations often turn to support from entities like the Center for Voluntary Social Work. However, recent government budget cuts may threaten this support. Steffen Gerdes, chairman of the Voluntary Forum Bornholm, expressed concerns about the contradiction between political rhetoric and actions, saying, “It seems like they want to have it both ways.”

The government’s 2022 framework states that it aims to strengthen voluntary sports and association activities, making it easier to recruit and retain volunteers. Yet, many feel that the opposite is happening, as the proposed budget includes cuts of 1.7 million kroner to the Voluntary Council, which advocates for associations. Anna Bjerre, the council’s chair, highlighted that their local insights are crucial for policymakers.

The organization Frise, which coordinates “Voluntary Friday,” is also facing potential budget cuts that could affect the volunteer job portal ‘frivilligjob.dk.’ According to Casper Bo Danø, director of Frise, while larger organizations might sustain themselves, smaller associations need help sourcing new volunteers. They also require assistance with practical tasks such as bookkeeping and navigating complex data protection regulations; for them, 500 kroner for a course can strain limited budgets.

Rillo Rud, the center director, noted that cuts to the Center for Voluntary Social Work have reduced the number of courses and webinars offered and eliminated free training. According to Professor Lars Skov Henriksen, these cuts will disproportionately affect smaller local organizations involved in social work, which lack the backing of larger national organizations.

The Social and Housing Ministry has refrained from providing updates on negotiations regarding funding for the voluntary sector. In response to the criticism, newly appointed Social and Housing Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen stated that discussions focused on civil society would soon begin, making it too early to assess the complete picture of support for these organizations.