The public is expected to give billions to charity this year - but where will it be spent?
Cancer, children’s charities and animals are the public’s favourite causes when it comes to giving – but human rights groups are way down the list.
Research by online donations platform Givey shows what causes people throughout the UK are likely to give to in 2017.
Over half intend to give money to cancer-related charities, planning to donate an average of £44 per person across the year – equating to £1.33 billion in total.
Children’s charities can expect support from 45% of the nation, receiving on average £50 a year per donor – a total annual donation of £1.16 billion and 42% of the population plan to donate an average of £54 a year to charities supporting animals and the environment, resulting in total predicted donations of £1.16bn in 2017.
Foreign aid is the cause with the highest average annual donation at £57, despite the fact that just 26% of people said they would support charities in this sphere.
Givey’s October 2016 survey found that 53% of Brits are most likely to donate to a charitable cause that has impacted them or their friends and family. With Macmillan Cancer Support citing that 2.5 million people across the nation now live with cancer, Givey’s new insights reflect the far-reaching impact this disease has on people.
The research, a poll of 2000 people across the whole country, demonstrates that the vast majority intend to continue supporting a wide range of worthy causes in 2017.
However, while choosing a cause may be a personal matter, previous research conducted by Givey has indicated that when it comes to actually choosing a specific charity the main influences are marketing, ad spend, ease and safety.
Previously research shows that over two fifths (42%) are more likely to give to a well-known charity because they think it is easier to do so.
Givey aims to empower the 94% of charitable organisations by giving them access to an easy-to-use giving platform.
Neil Mehta, Givey chief executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see that the UK once again plans to give so generously to charity in 2017. All the causes listed on the poll are very worthy causes, and choosing one that means something to you personally is an important part of the donation process.
“However, small charities are still too often overlooked in favour of high-profile names due to marketing profile and ease of donating. Of course large-scale charities are doing amazing work in their respective fields, but it is a real shame that there are so many great small charities in the UK missing out on vital donations.
“We hope to help shift the balance in 2017 by continuing to shine a light on the forgotten 94% of the charity sector, giving small charities the support and attention they deserve.”
