The Spanish third sector unites to demand its role in the economy and social cohesion

“The number of NGOs has stabilized, which has allowed for improved cooperation among them,” Javier Cañete, program director of the Putin Foundation, told ABC. Faced with a problem, we launch a challenge NGOs brainstorm possible solutions“Then the Foundation accompanies them with initial funding so that these ideas become projects.” Eight out of ten entities operate in networks, in joint projects or collaboration platforms, demonstrating a structural change towards efficiency and professionalism. 68% of workers have university studies, a fact that promotes the strengthening of qualified human capital.

The study reveals a picture of strength and sustainable growth: the sector currently employs about 600,000 people, an increase of 15% compared to fifteen years ago, and its activity has increased by 11%. Added to this are more than 1.5 million volunteers – almost 4 million if the entire social sphere is included – and an economic contribution equivalent to 1.2% of the Spanish GDP. As a whole, the social ecosystem is moving More than 100,000 actions daily for the benefit of the community.

A more professional sector and less dependent on the state

According to the report, the income of the third sector has increased by 13% in recent years, and its dependence on public funds has decreased by 12 points, reaching 49%. This diversification in financing is explained by: A Greater cooperation with private companies and new forms of social economy. “The Solidarity Talent Program seeks to strengthen cooperation between different NGOs, as well as increase cooperation between the public and private sectors,” explains Javier.

Although the total number of entities – about 28,000 – has barely changed in recent years, the study notes a positive focus: fewer organizations, but stronger and more coordinated. The sector’s ability to resist cyclical fluctuations is also highlighted, which was able to maintain its activity despite successive crises in the years 2008, 2020 and 2022. Javier tells ABC that these crises meant that “more had to be done with less.” Talento Solidario emerged amid the coronavirus crisis and forced us to improve our efficiency.”

Only one in five young people talks about the social sector

Despite its economic and social weight, the report warns that the overall picture of the third sector remains weak. An analysis of the digital conversation conducted by consultancy LLYC shows that only three in ten social media users mention the social sector, and interest among those under 30 drops to 20%. “ Young people today are more committed to social issues. They understand it, but it is necessary to develop channels that allow us to reach them,” says Javier.

The Putin Foundation interprets these data as a sign of disconnection and lack of knowledge about the daily work of medium and small NGOs, which constitute the majority. In the face of the polarization of public debate, which often focuses on major crises or sensitive issues, the Foundation calls for highlighting “invisible actions” that support social cohesion in neighborhoods and municipalities.

“We Are Nobody,” a campaign to put a face to social impact

To reverse this disconnect, nearly 500 NGOs from across Spain are today launching a joint communications 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 submission of the report coincided with the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Talento Solidario program, which was born in 2010, in light of the economic crisis, with the aim of supporting medium and small social entities. Since then, the Putin Foundation has invested nearly eight million euros in this programme, of which 4.5 million euros have been allocated directly to NGO projects. In these fifteen years, Talento Solidario has funded 492 organizationsIt analyzed 7,400 projects, created more than 250 job opportunities, promoted 100 collaborative initiatives, and strengthened more than 2,900 connections between companies and social entities. In addition, 2010 delivered a training course and shared 300 good practices.

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

Future challenges

The report identifies several structural challenges: promoting digitalization, attracting young talent, ensuring generational change in management positions, and promoting a stable financing model. It also raises the need to strengthen engagement with citizens and update the sector’s story to connect with new social sensibilities. « Three years ago we launched a digital transformation programme, which has already reached more than 200 NGOs in Spain. “We offer different levels of assistance depending on the stage of digitalization the organizations have reached,” Javier explains to ABC. “We are an innovative sector, and we want to show that Young talents can develop a professional career in this sector “And for them we develop structures that allow them to feel attracted to this job sector.”

Despite the difficulties, the Putin Foundation emphasizes that the third sector has proven to be an essential driver of cohesion and development. Its activity not only complements public policies, but also drives social innovation and promotes values ​​such as solidarity, cooperation and participation. The campaign presented today specifically seeks to acknowledge and highlight this role. “The work of NGOs cannot remain invisible. Javier highlights that every work, every project and every volunteer adds to the overall well-being, “The goal is to make known the work that this third sector does in Spain which is exceptional, professional and increasingly transparent.”

In a context of social fragmentation and misinformation, the Spanish social sector is positioned as the backbone of human and economic development. With more than four million people involved, thousands of projects underway and a tangible impact on GDP, the third sector is sending a clear message: We are no one, we are all.