Spain’s third sector unites to assert its role in economy and social cohesion

“The number of NGOs has stabilized and cooperation between NGOs has improved,” Botín Foundation program director Javier Cañete told ABC. In the face of problems, we begin to take on challenges. NGOs brainstorm possible solutions“8 out of 10 companies are working in networks, joint projects or cooperation platforms, indicating a structural shift towards efficiency and specialization. 68% of workers have graduated from university, a fact that confirms the strengthening of qualified human capital.”

This study reveals a holistic picture of strength and sustainable growth. The sector currently employs approximately 600,000 people, an increase of 15% compared to 15 years ago, and its activity has increased by 11%. Added to this are more than 1.5 million volunteers (approximately 4 million if you include the whole social sector), making an economic contribution equivalent to 1.2% of Spain’s GDP. Collectively, the social ecosystem moves Over 100,000 actions are taken every day to benefit our community.

A more specialized sector and less dependent on the state

According to the report, third sector income has increased by 13% in recent years, while dependence on public funds has fallen by 12 percentage points to 49%. This funding diversification is explained as follows. Strengthening collaboration with private companies and new forms of social economy. “The Solidarity Talent Program aims to foster cooperation between different NGOs and between the public and private sectors,” Javier explains.

Although the total number of entities (approximately 28,000) has changed little in recent years, the survey observes an active concentration. That means fewer organizations, but stronger and more connected. It also highlights the counter-cyclical capacity of the sector, which has managed to remain active despite successive crises in 2008, 2020 and 2022. Javier told the ABC that these crises meant “we’ve had to do more with less.” The Talento Solidario program emerged in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, which forced us to increase our efficiency. ”

Only one in five young people talk about the social sector

The report warns that despite its economic and social importance, the public image of the third sector remains weak. According to an analysis of digital conversations conducted by consulting firm LLYC, only three out of ten users on social networks mention the social sector, and the attention of users under 30 drops to 20%. « Today’s youth are more engaged in social activities. They understand who they are, but we need to develop channels through which we can reach them,” says Javier.

The Botín Foundation interprets this data as a sign of disconnection and lack of knowledge about the day-to-day operations of the majority of small and medium-sized NGOs. In the face of a polarized public debate that often focuses on major crises and sensitive issues, the organization advocates for making visible the “invisible actions” that maintain social cohesion in neighborhoods and municipalities.

‘We are Nobody’, a campaign that tackles social impact head-on

To reverse this disconnect, around 500 NGOs across Spain today launched a joint communication campaign under the slogan “WE ARE NOBODY”, promoted by the Botín Foundation and the Third Sector Platform and developed by the Pinguino Torreblanca Agency.

The release of the report coincides with the 15th anniversary celebration of the Talent Solidario program, which was created in 2010 at the height of the economic crisis to support small and medium-sized social organizations. Since then, the Botín Foundation has invested approximately 8 million euros in this program, of which 4.5 million euros have been allocated directly to NGO projects. In the last 15 years, Talento Solidario has funded 492 organizationsanalyzed 7,400 projects, created more than 250 jobs, promoted 100 joint initiatives and facilitated more than 2,900 connections between businesses and social organizations. Additionally, we conducted 2,010 training sessions and shared 300 good practices.

Today, the Solidarity Talent Network brings together more than 400 organizations from 22 different sectors, committed to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability as the axis of transformation.

Future challenges

The report identifies several structural challenges, including increasing digitization, attracting younger talent, ensuring generational change in management, and strengthening stable funding models. It also creates a need to update the sector’s narrative to strengthen connections with citizens and connect with new social sensitivities. « Three years ago, we launched a digital transformation program that already involves more than 200 NGOs in Spain. We offer different levels of support depending on the stage of digitalization of an organization,” Javier explained to the ABC. » We are an innovative sector and we want to show that. Young talents can build a professional career in this field “And we are developing structures for them that will make them attractive to this sector of the workforce.”

Despite the challenges, the Botín Foundation emphasizes that the third sector has proven to be an essential driver of cohesion and development. Its activities not only complement public policy, but also promote social innovation and promote values ​​such as solidarity, cooperation and participation. The campaign we are introducing today aims to recognize and visualize exactly that role. “The work of NGOs cannot continue to remain invisible. “Every action, every project, every volunteer increases the common well-being. The aim is to make it known that the work that this third sector is doing in Spain is extraordinary and is becoming increasingly professionalized and transparent,” Javier emphasizes.

In the context of social division and misinformation, Spain’s social sector asserts its place as the backbone of human and economic development. With over 4 million people involved, thousands of projects underway and a measurable impact on GDP, the third sector sends a clear message: We are no one, we are all.