CEO Blog: Social Enterprise -Building Stronger Communities for the Long Term

Across the third sector, we see the same challenge again and again — funding that is short-term, project-specific, and rarely covers the real cost of running an organisation. These grants are vital, but they usually only fund direct delivery. They don’t pay for the essentials that keep a community organisation alive — things like heating, insurance, maintenance, admin, staff support and development. These are known as core costs, and without them, even the best projects can’t survive. 

That’s why social enterprise matters. 

At YMCA Bellshill & Mossend, being a social enterprise means we trade with purpose, we are a business with a heart!  We generate income through childcare, hall hire, training, and community events — but every penny goes straight back into supporting people locally. It’s business activity, yes, but every part of it exists to strengthen our community and sustain the work that makes a difference every day. 

Social enterprise gives stability where funding cannot. It helps us plan ahead, protect jobs, and respond quickly when people need support. It keeps decision-making local and allows us to be proactive instead of waiting for the next funding round. 

The truth is, the future of the third sector depends on how well we can build our own financial resilience. Relying only on short-term grants means living project to project, never knowing what we can continue beyond the next deadline. By growing our social enterprise activity, we give ourselves the power to create lasting impact — not just deliver temporary projects. 

When you choose a social enterprise, you’re not just buying a service — you’re backing your community. You’re helping to fund childcare, food support, youth programmes, and wellbeing activities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. You’re keeping local people in jobs and ensuring that community spaces stay open and welcoming. 

So, here’s my call to action: Next time you need a hall or room hire, after-school care, a party package, or a place to run your activities — think about using a third sector or social enterprise organisation like ours. Your choice keeps money in the community, supports local families, and helps organisations like YMCA Bellshill & Mossend continue to do what we do best — create opportunities, provide support, and build a fairer, stronger community for everyone.