Charitable Giving in Decline: Dorset Charity Warns of Impact on Small Charities

Strategic Insights -

Youth Cancer Trust, a Dorset-based charity supporting young people with cancer, is facing a significant challenge in securing grants and donations as charitable giving in the UK continues to decline. According to a recent report by the Charities Aid Foundation, only 50% of the UK public made a donation or sponsored someone in 2024, down from 58% in 2019. The total amount donated to charities across the UK fell to £15.4 billion, with smaller and local charities being among the hardest hit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Charities Aid Foundation reported a decline in charitable giving in the UK, with only 50% of the public making a donation or sponsoring someone in 2024, down from 58% in 2019.
  • The total amount donated to charities across the UK fell to £15.4 billion, with a significant decrease in donations to smaller and local charities.
  • The National Council for Voluntary Organisations warns that rising costs, reduced grant availability, and changing donor behavior are continuing to squeeze smaller charities.
  • Youth Cancer Trust, a Dorset-based charity, is facing a significant challenge in securing grants and donations, with dwindling support from local communities and businesses.
  • The charity relies entirely on fundraising and donations to provide free wellbeing holidays and online support for young people aged 18 to 30 living with or beyond cancer.
  • With demand for the charity's services continuing to rise, securing grants and donations has become more difficult than ever, with the charity's president, Brenda Clark, stating that "we are seeing fewer grant-making bodies open for applications, and many have become increasingly restrictive with their funding criteria."
  • Despite these challenges, the charity continues to welcome young people to its Dorset base, where they can relax, rebuild confidence, and connect with others who understand what they're going through.
  • The charity's free wellbeing breaks and online support offer a lifeline to young people with cancer, providing hope, strength, and friendship at a time when many feel isolated and anxious about the future.
  • The charity is appealing to the Dorset community, individuals, businesses, schools, and groups to get involved through donations or fundraising to support the charity's life-changing work.

Statistics:

  • 50% of the UK public made a donation or sponsored someone in 2024, down from 58% in 2019.
  • The total amount donated to charities across the UK fell to £15.4 billion.
  • Four million fewer donors than before the pandemic.
  • The charity must raise over £150,000 a year to continue running its free wellbeing breaks and online support.
  • Each holiday costs around £1,000 per young person.

Sources:

  • Charities Aid Foundation (2024)
  • National Council for Voluntary Organisations (2024)
  • Youth Cancer Trust (2024)