JustGiving releases figures - reflecting an extraordinary year for the charity sector
More than £180 million has been raised for pages related to coronavirus on the JustGiving platform in 2020, reflecting a year like no other for the charity sector.
Despite many charities facing challenges, the public fundraising efforts increased during the pandemic as people came together to support those in need.
Donations to arts and environment charities increased by 11% and contributions to international charities were up 77%.
This spike for international charities was primarily down to the staggering £6.5 million raised for Impact Lebanon’s fundraising page following the Beirut Explosion in August.
It has also been a record-breaking year for JustGiving. There were over 6,830 pages raising money for foodbanks set up in 2020, as well as 1,410 pages which specifically related to the support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Most impressively, over 40,000 pages were created to help raise money for the NHS.
Among these pages, there were a number of standout individuals whose fundraising efforts captured the hearts of the nation, such as Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised more than £32m for NHS Charities Together, from 1.5 million donors across 162 different countries. This triggered over 1,120 fundraising pages to be created inspired by his efforts.
Charites also found ways to adapt their fundraising techniques during lockdown and beyond. Nearly eight in 10 (76%) of charitable organisations used at least one virtual fundraising initiative for the first-time during the first lockdown.
Over half (53%) have tried some form of online video streaming to raise funds during the pandemic – including pub quizzes, exercise classes, and video gaming.
Others also looked to virtual challenges - over two thirds (65%) of charity organisations have tried a virtual physical challenge using a fitness app, such as Strava, or launched a team virtual event.
Pascale Harvie, general manager for JustGiving, said: “This year has been like no other for the fundraising sector. We’ve seen dramatic changes in the causes people have chosen to support, which in turn has had a major impact on charities. The generosity that we’ve seen on the platform from people across the world during 2020 has been humbling, and we’re proud to have played a small part in it.”
Ellie Orton, chief executive at NHS Charities Together, added: “It has been an extraordinary year for us as a charity, going from a total income of less than half a million pounds to raising over £150m through our Covid appeal.
“We have had the most amazing response from the general public, thanks to inspiring fundraisers like Captain Sir Tom Moore, and it has absolutely transformed the support we have been able to provide to NHS staff, volunteers and patients through our member charities.”
Captain Sir Tom Moore said: “When I first started my walking challenge back in the spring, I never could have imagined the outpouring of support I was about to receive. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of the public and JustGiving’s support, I am amazed and humbled to have been able to raise this money for the NHS Covid 19 Appeal.”
