Charitable donations drop by £1.3bn
Donations to the UK's 170,000 charities have fallen by 11 per cent
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By Richard James. |  |
Wednesday, 23, Sep 2009 12:05
Donations to the UK's 170,000 charities have fallen by 11 per cent, or £1.3 billion, research has found today.
According to UK Giving 2009, published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) donations to charity fell to £9.9 billion, with people donating a median of £10 per month, a decrease of £1 on the previous year.
The research found medical research, hospitals, hospices, and children and young people were the most popular causes to donate to. And the researchers added that while the recession has affected the amount being given, it hadn't drastically affected the number of people donating, which fell just two per cent.
CAF chief executive John Low said: "Even though there are welcome signs the recession is technically ending, the economic downturn is still severely impacting charities, many of whom have had to cut jobs while facing increased demand for their services.
"It's a reminder of what a generous nation we are that people are continuing to support their favourite causes, helping others when they themselves are feeling less wealthy. If all taxpayers tick the Gift Aid box, or give through Give As You Earn it would go a long way to make up the shortfall in funding without costing them a penny more."
In terms of how people give, cash remains the most common method of giving.
"Inevitably the recession is having an effect on charities, and on the levels of giving," Stuart Etherington, CEO, of NCVO added.
"But it would be wrong to predict the collapse of the sector because of the current climate. It is reassuring to know that the public are continuing to support the vital work that voluntary and community organisations do in local communities across the country. We would like to thank people for their on-going generosity."