Two thirds of fundraisers expect major events and charity challenges to be cancelled for as long as social distancing continues

The majority of charities say they expect fundraising events and challenges will have to be axed as a result of social distancing.

The Status of UK Fundraising 2020 Report found 65% of charity fundraisers believe social distancing will lead to a decrease in the money raised by events and challenges.

The study of almost 2,000 fundraisers was carried out in May and June by the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) and software firm Blackbaud.

Almost a third (29%) of those questioned said their organisation may not be able to continue post-lockdown, but 44% anticipate a positive increase in online donations while social distancing measures remained in place.

Less than a quarter (24%) were very confident that their organisation would be able to adapt their fundraising, and a similar figure (27%) said they had experienced a fall in income this year.

Dan Fluskey, head of policy and external affairs at the IoF, said: “Given that vast swathes of fundraising activity has not been able to take place since March, it is not surprising that fewer organisations would report income growth this year.

“However, the extensive effect of Covid-19 on financials will only be fully reflected in future research where we can take a longer view.

“Unsurprisingly the challenge that Covid-19 presents for charities and the associated economic cost are front-and-centre of people’s minds when thinking about the years to come.”