Members of the British public are expected to donate £2.8bn to charities during November and December this year, according to research published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
The total is broadly similar to last year’s donations, reflecting the festive period as a peak time for charity giving, coinciding with large fundraising events like Giving Tuesday, Children in Need’s annual telethon and the Poppy Appeal.
In light of increased donations during the festive period, the Charity Commission recently issued a reminder on how people can donate with confidence and avoid fraudulent appeals.
Citing data from Action Fraud, the regulator underlined the need for continued vigilance when donating to charity during the festive period: in 2023, there were 484 reports and a total loss of £1.17m.
Meanwhile, a survey by Oxfam revealed that 27% of Britons plan to donate by buying pre-loved Christmas outfits from charity shops this year.
‘Decline in number of people regularly donating’
CAF’s survey found that half of the public (50%) donate to charity during November and December, a rise compared to the 34% who give regularly throughout the rest of the year.
Of those who intend to give, nearly three-quarters (74%) plan to give money, while 46% intend to donate goods and 14% will volunteer their time.
The key reasons for donating include increased awareness of those in need (37%), the tradition of giving at Christmas (28%), and greater exposure to charity appeals (23%). Some donors also choose to forgo presents in favour of charitable contributions (10%).
Philippa Cornish, head of charities at CAF, said: “Up and down the country, charities are helping more and more people this winter – those who are most in need in our society.
“Charities understand more than most the financial pressures some households are facing.
“But the last few years have seen a decline in the number of people regularly donating to charity. We hope that for those who can afford to, they give generously this year to good causes.
“There are also other ways to help, such as through volunteering or donating goods. Many charities rely on mass giving and festive fundraising and they will certainly appreciate an injection of generosity this Christmas.”
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