Charity Aid Foundation’s UK Giving research is the largest study of giving behaviour in the UK, interviewing a representative sample of the public each month with the goal of assisting charities, government and wider society to better understand the UK’s evolving giving landscape.
In the spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to making a positive impact, we are pleased to bring you key findings from the 2023 Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Report. The insights captured in this report shed light on the evolving landscape of charitable giving in the UK, offering valuable information that can guide your organisation’s strategies and initiatives in the coming years.
A Record £12.7 Billion in Charitable Giving
In 2022, the British people demonstrated an unparalleled generosity, contributing a staggering £12.7 billion to various charitable causes. This marks a notable increase from the £10.7 billion donated in 2021. It’s important to note that this rise is attributed to individuals donating more on average, rather than a significant increase in the number of donors. This impressive figure, however, should be understood within the context of the prevailing high inflation rates.
A Tale of Recovery: Donations and Engagement Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
While the total donation amount reached new heights, the report reveals that donation levels and overall engagement with charities have not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, 84% of the population participated in charitable and civic-minded activities, a slight increase from 83% in 2021 but still below the 88% recorded in 2019. The ongoing impact of the pandemic, coupled with external factors like the war in Ukraine, influenced fluctuations in donation levels throughout the year.
Animal Welfare Leads, but Causes Vary Across Age Groups
Animal welfare retained its position as the most popular cause throughout 2022, except during the months of March and April when overseas aid and disaster relief took precedence, likely due to the crisis in Ukraine. Interestingly, the report highlights age-related variations in charitable preferences. Older donors (65+) were more inclined to support overseas aid and disaster relief, while younger donors (16-24) showed greater support for causes related to homelessness, shelters in the UK and human rights.
The Cost of Living Crisis: Impact on Charitable Giving
A concerning trend identified in the report is the influence of the cost of living crisis on charitable giving. More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents acknowledged the need to make cuts to their spending to manage bills, with 17% considering reducing their charitable donations. In total, 24% reported making or contemplating changes to their charitable behaviours, including reducing or cancelling regular donations (5%) and refraining from one-off contributions (10%).
Volunteering Challenges: A Sustained Reduction
The report sheds light on a sustained reduction in volunteering levels. In 2022, only 7% of respondents reported volunteering for a charity in the past four weeks, showcasing a continued decline from pre-pandemic levels (9% in 2019). Additionally, the proportion of people volunteering in the past 12 months fell from 16% in 2018 to 13% in 2022, equating to approximately 1.6 million fewer volunteers compared to five years ago.
As we navigate the complexities of the current charitable landscape, it’s crucial for organisations like yours to adapt strategies, embrace flexibility and leverage insights to drive meaningful change. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact and address the challenges that lie ahead.
Read the full CAF Report here.
