Lifestyle
Raising money, changing lives Sophie Chalk discusses the right approach to fundraising.
However, this is only a small chapter in an otherwise melancholy story. The trend for charitable donations in recent years has suggested a downward turn in number of people getting involved. It looks like fewer people are collectively donating more – with the average amount given via donations or sponsorship increasing from £45.69 in 2019 to £53.52 in 2020. When considering demographics of those donating, those of 65 years or older are more likely to contribute – 65 per cent of the over-65s compared to 53 per cent of those aged 25-44.
Millions of Brits support charities every single year through one-off or monthly donations. The opportunity to give something back and help those less fortunate or who are facing difficult times enriches our lives and can change that of others. Whether giving money, organising a fundraising event or accepting a sponsored challenge, there are also benefits for our mental health, happiness, fitness (depending on the challenge) and skills.
Sophie Chalk is an editorial manager at EK Communications.
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Is there a charity close to your heart that you want to do more for? Are you thinking of a fundraising campaign? Here’s a low-down on what you need to know… The fundraising landscape today Given the financial implications of the pandemic on many households across the world, it would not be surprising to learn that charitable donations suffered too. Interestingly – and to the credit of the global population – donations increased during the first year that Covid-19 really took a hold. UK household donations rose from £10.6bn in 2019 to £11.3bn in 2020, for example. This is reflective of the general public’s response to natural disasters or outbreaks of violence, such as the recent and on-going events in Ukraine.
Of course, this may not help you when looking to raise money for your good cause, but it’s important to be aware how others may perceive your request for sponsorship or ‘spare change’. General spending across the nation was down between March 2020 and March 2021 by more than £100 a week compared to pre-pandemic levels, likely a result of around 33 per cent of workers experiencing a reduction in household income during the same period. Though one could argue the beginning of an economic upturn in more recent months, many families will likely still be feeling the pinch. Increases in everything from energy to national insurance contributions are affecting the cost of living for most of the population. As such, it could be very difficult for individuals to dip into what small disposable income they have left to support your fundraising. It’s essential to be mindful of this when tapping up the office for cash – it may not be obvious who is struggling. Support and objections Aside from personal funds, there are several other reasons that people might be hesitant to support a fundraising activity. One that might surprise is general attitudes to charities. Over half of the UK residents surveyed in the Giving Britain report in 2021 thought that charities are too corporate and, as they say, “have lost their humanity”. More than 40 per cent believed that
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