A downward trend - 4.9m fewer people donating to charity in the UK

The number of people giving to charity in the UK is declining significantly, according to new research from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). Between January and April 2022, an estimated 4.9m fewer people said they donated to charity or sponsored someone in the previous year, compared to the same months in 2019.

The CAF UK Giving report is the largest study of household donor behaviour in the UK and this latest research tracks giving trends throughout 2021 and into the first four months of 2022 as the pandemic receded.

CAF estimates that the total amount given in the UK during 2021 was £10.7 billion, a substantial decrease from the £11.3 billion given in 2020. Inflationary pressures also mean that in real terms, it is likely that charities will have fewer financial resources.

Amidst rising living costs, around one in eight (13%) are currently considering cutting back on donations to charity in the next six months whilst one in 12 people (8%) said they had already chosen not to make a one-off donation (March-May 2022).

“This report will be sombre reading for the charity sector, says Neil Heslop OBE, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation.  “Despite the return of opportunities for fundraising events following a dampened couple of years, we have seen donations levels fall even further. Combined with rising living costs affecting donations to charities currently and in the months to come, this paints a worrying picture for the future of many charities who rely on mass giving."

There are many questions left to ask about what can be done to reverse this trend, especially during trying economic times and uncertainty.

If you are a journalist looking to know more or cover this important topic then let our experts help with your stories.

Neil Heslop is the Chief Executive of Charities Aid Foundation, a leading charity operating in the UK and internationally. He is available to speak with media about how the reduction on donations is impacting those most in need and how we all can work to reverse this trend across the UK and globe.

To arrange an interview simply click on Neil's icon now to arrange a time to talk today.