New data from the Charities Aid Foundation's UK Giving Report 2026 indicates a notable decline in charitable donations across the UK. The British public gave an estimated £14bn to charity in 2025, a reduction from £15.4bn the previous year. This represents the first fall in total giving since 2021.
Average donations also saw a decrease, dropping from £72 to £65. Approximately 2.8 million people cancelled a regular charitable gift during this period.
Over a longer timeframe, the report highlights a significant trend: the percentage of UK adults who donated to charity or sponsored someone fell from 69% in 2016 to 55% in 2025. This equates to roughly six million fewer donors, with the sector reportedly missing out on an estimated £12.4bn as a result.
Affordability was identified as a primary factor, with 49% of non-donors stating they could not afford to give. Additionally, 28% of non-donors indicated a lack of interest in charities, suggesting that giving may no longer be a common habit in the country.