The latest CAF UK Giving Report has revealed that whilst the estimated total amount given to charity has reached a new high of £15.5bn, the proportion of people giving to charity is at its lowest level since 2019. Of the 13,000 people surveyed, only 50% gave to charity in the last 12 months, down from 58% in 2019. This downward trend is equally prevalent in the number of people sponsoring friends or family members, as well as the number of people volunteering.
These figures underline the importance of making growing giving a whole-sector priority. Whilst it is encouraging to see the total amount given continues to increase thanks to committed donors, sustaining this will require reversing the decline in the number of people giving. As such, it is essential that government, charities and their partners come together to establish how to foster a favorable fundraising environment, where every charity has the resources to reach the right donors and build lasting relationships with them.
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Growing Giving policy team has been working with members, partners and government to establish the barriers charities face when growing giving, and the steps to overcome them. Whilst we are still at the start of a long journey, we are pleased to have achieved the following:
- Identified the four core themes to growing giving:
- Creating a positive social narrative around giving;
- Making giving more fulfilling;
- Making it easier to give;
- Making it easier for charities to reach the right supporters.
- Shared our members views with government through consultations, roundtables and the National Philanthropy Strategy.
- Researched the challenges charities face when innovating, the findings of which will be shared in the coming weeks.
You can download the full report to find out more here.