Autonomy v Accountability - Managing government funding of voluntary and community organisations focuses on the funding relationship between the voluntary and community sector and government. In 1999 the voluntary and community sector received €1.267 billion from Irish government and EU sources. This funding is channelled through a wide range of government departments and agencies. This study explores the funding relationship and addresses the central question of how to establish an appropriate balance between the autonomy of voluntary and community bodies and the public accountability requirements arising from government funding of voluntary and community activities.