Looove the point that free works when it's a value add, not a foot in the door. This is so I'll explained and I don't doubt you're going to help dozens of community leaders to avoid burnout with it!
Hi Laura, Thank you for articulating what so many of us in the sector feel but often struggle to say out loud. Your article cuts right to the core of what we’re working on at MyEdinburgh, https://myedinburgh.org/ helping community groups shift from well-intentioned dependency to intentional sustainability. I particularly liked your example of the free champagne on arrival, and the Apple Support brand.
With a background spanning over a decade in charity fundraising and CSR, I’ve seen firsthand the exhaustion that comes from running on goodwill alone. At My Edinburgh, we’re building an infrastructure that’s rooted in mutual value — not just mutual aid — because, as you rightly point out, favours don’t cover rent, insurance, or salaries.
One way I think about this is by comparing the support of a community space to getting your house painted. Some people call a few painters and they visit to assess the space, then send quotes. The visit is free, but the job itself clearly isn't. You pay for time, materials, expertise. Even if you paint the room yourself, you still buy the paint, brushes, and spend time you could otherwise use to earn income elsewhere.
Community services should be no different. Even if they don’t charge users, they should clearly communicate what it costs to keep the lights on e.g. “one hour in this space costs £X in heating and staff time.” That transparency builds respect, not resistance.
Looove the point that free works when it's a value add, not a foot in the door. This is so I'll explained and I don't doubt you're going to help dozens of community leaders to avoid burnout with it!
Hi Laura, Thank you for articulating what so many of us in the sector feel but often struggle to say out loud. Your article cuts right to the core of what we’re working on at MyEdinburgh, https://myedinburgh.org/ helping community groups shift from well-intentioned dependency to intentional sustainability. I particularly liked your example of the free champagne on arrival, and the Apple Support brand.
With a background spanning over a decade in charity fundraising and CSR, I’ve seen firsthand the exhaustion that comes from running on goodwill alone. At My Edinburgh, we’re building an infrastructure that’s rooted in mutual value — not just mutual aid — because, as you rightly point out, favours don’t cover rent, insurance, or salaries.
One way I think about this is by comparing the support of a community space to getting your house painted. Some people call a few painters and they visit to assess the space, then send quotes. The visit is free, but the job itself clearly isn't. You pay for time, materials, expertise. Even if you paint the room yourself, you still buy the paint, brushes, and spend time you could otherwise use to earn income elsewhere.
Community services should be no different. Even if they don’t charge users, they should clearly communicate what it costs to keep the lights on e.g. “one hour in this space costs £X in heating and staff time.” That transparency builds respect, not resistance.
I'd love to share your post on MyEdinburgh's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98899273/admin/dashboard/