Over a million more give to charity, yet total donations stay flat

2 December 2011

Figures released today show that over the last year (2010/11) the UK public gave £11.0 billion to charity. An additional 1.1 million people donated money to charity, however, the average (median) amount given per month fell from £12 in 2009/10 to £11. The findings are released in a report called 'UK Giving 2011', the most in-depth and long-running study of charitable giving habits, commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

Despite more of the public deciding to support charities, in real terms the total value of donations (£11bn) remained the same as the previous year. In real terms, donations are now worth £900 million less than the amount given in 2007/08, the year before the UK entered recession.

Estimated total amounts given by individuals, adjusted for inflation and unadjusted, 2004/05 -2010/11 (£ billions)

The survey, which is carried out by the Office for National Statistics three times during the year amongst over 3,000 UK adults aged 16 years or over, found that in 2010/11 nearly six in ten (58%) UK adults aged 16 years or over gave to charity. The percentage of the people giving has increased from 56% in 2009/10.

Women aged 45-64 years are the most likely to give and give the most (typical median amount £20 per month). Those aged 16-24 years remain the least likely to give.

John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation commented; “It's really encouraging that despite sharp rises in the cost of living more people are supporting charities. The economic downturn means many more people are turning to them for help, and charities themselves are struggling against rising costs, so every pound is really needed. I hope this trend will continue.

“The government's focus on giving is welcome, yet this report shows that donation levels remain stubbornly flat. If we are to create a stronger culture of giving in the UK, this will require continued commitment and investment by both the government and charities.”

Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: 'This research is a timely reminder that even in straitened times, the British public are prepared to dig deep and show goodwill towards those most in need. The fact that the proportion of people giving is on the up is an encouraging barometer of the levels of public trust in the work of charities.

'However, these figures also highlight that charities will have to work extra hard to attract donors and keep pace with inflation at a time of economic challenges and increased demand for their services. The “quality of the ask” remains essential - the sector needs to build links between donors and causes and send out a strong message that all giving makes a difference.'

The most popular cause to support is medical research which over 11 million people give to on a monthly basis.

Charitable cause% of giving populationpeople millions donating on a monthly basis
Medical Research38%11.1
Hospitals26%7.7
Children24%7.2
Overseas17%5.0
Other causes15%4.4
Animals14%4.3
Religious13%3.8
Disabled11%3.3
Homeless9%2.6
Elderly8%2.3
Health7%2.2
Schools7%2.0
Environment6%1.6
Sports3%1.0
Arts1%0.4

Notes:

Case studies of how donation levels are impacting charities are available.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded from www.cafonline.org/ukgiving

The total amount given to charity by adults is calculated by multiplying the total number of donors by the mean amount given per year.

Inflation is calculated by using the RPIX measure, with each year's number adjusted for inflation to September 2010 prices.

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