Nearly three in 10 UK adults have reduced their charitable donations amid the cost-of-living crisis. New research, from charity consortium Remember a Charity, found that 29 percent of UK adults were forced to cut back on charity giving as they could no longer afford the cost.
Reflecting on economic uncertainty and global events ranging from international conflict to rising poverty, mental health crises and climate change, the majority (71 percent) of those surveyed express concern over what the future holds.
Despite these donation cut backs the majority (58 percent) of the 2,000 adults surveyed believe that charities are needed now more than ever.
With falling donations and increased demand for services, the charity sector faces multiple challenges in meeting the needs of beneficiaries alongside inflationary pressures.
Lucinda Frostick, director of Remember A Charity, said: “In a world full of uncertainty and the challenges of growing economic hardship, people’s drive to help those in need remains strong.
“This survey suggests that, despite the financial strain, many people are looking to increase their support for charities and for new ways to help the good causes they care about now and for future generations.
“This includes a growing appetite for giving to charity from your Will, an act of generosity that extends beyond our lifetime and can play a significant role in shaping the world we leave behind.
“With 100 people a day choosing to leave a charitable gift in their Will, this vital income stream has the potential to transform the future of our communities and sustain good causes, alongside income from more immediate charitable donations.”
The majority (71 percent) of those surveyed expressed concern over what the future holds due to economic uncertainty and global events ranging from international conflict to rising poverty, mental health crises and climate change.
More than one in four (27 percent) of those surveyed said they have become more involved with charitable causes or are looking to become more involved in the future, through activities such as fundraising, activism on social media or volunteering.
With the desire to help charities and community-based organisations long into the future, over one in three (35 percent) UK adults said they were likely to leave a gift to their favourite charity (or charities) in their Will after providing for their loved ones.
Laura Jacques, fundraising manager – legacy & tribute at NSPCC said: “Whilst we are living in times of economic uncertainty and financial constraints, gifts in Wills allow people to support a cause they care about without donating at a time when households are trying to cut back.
It’s a common misconception that leaving money to charity is something that only the rich and famous do. But the truth is that people from all walks of life can leave a gift to a cause they care about.
One quarter of the NSPCC’s income comes from gifts in Wills. Leaving a gift in your Will is a big decision, your loved ones must come first, but if you are able to leave a little something to a cause you believe in, it means that they can continue to be there – whatever the future holds. Gifts left in people’s Wills help us tackle tomorrow’s challenges, whatever they may be.”
