Introduction- charitable giving trends

The landscape of the charity sector has changed substantially over the past decade with a rapid increase in the number of charities and those employed in the sector. What has not really changed over this time is the giving habits of UK citizens.

While levels of giving have remained stagnant for years, the recession has led to the number of people who donate regularly − around 54% of the UK population − declining slightly in 2008/09. This means that there are more charities competing for less money.

The most significant change in giving over the past few years has been the emergence of a growing group of high net worth individuals, who are getting serious about their philanthropy—the ‘new philanthropists’. They typically want to give their earned wealth away in their lifetime; ask for more accountability from charities; and demand to to see the impact of their donations.

Philanthropy trends

• The UK charity sector is becoming increasingly competitive
• Charities will need to find new ways to engage the UK donor
• Charities will need to meet the challenge of major donors

Sources of information about giving trends:

• Philanthropy UK website
• UK Giving 2009, NCVO/CAF
• Tomorrow’s Philanthropist, Barclay’s Wealth, 2009
• The Sunday Times Rich List, 2009
• Charity Trends 2007, Charities Aid Foundation
• The 21st Century Donor, nfpSynergy, September 2007
• The Changing Face of Philanthropy, Barclays Wealth, September 2007
• Philanthropy amongst ultra high net worth individuals and family offices in Europe, NPC & Scorpio Partnership, 2007
• The UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2007, National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)