Overview
- In 2018/19, small charities received a higher proportion of their overall income in donations from the public than large charities.
- Small charities increased donations from the public in 2018/19 for the first time in six years, after a sustained decline since 2013/14.
- Over a five year period small charities have seen the proportion of legacy income from the public increase from 5% to 11%.
- 59% of grants from independent grantmakers went to small charities in 2019.
Where do small charities receive their voluntary income from?
- In 2018/19, small charities received a higher proportion of their funding in the form of donations from the public than large charities.
- Charities with an income of under £100k were most likely to receive donations from the public (70%), compared to charities with an income of £100k to £1m (47%).
How has voluntary income from the public changed over time?
- Small charities have received a 15% increase in the amount of voluntary income from the public in the last five years, at a total of £2.6bn in 2018/19.
- In 2018/19, small charities received £2.3bn in donations, a 20% increase on the previous year.
How have donations from the public changed over time?
- Donations from the public to small charities were 11% higher in 2018/19 than in 2013/14.
- Following a period of decline, small charities received an increase in the levels of donations from the public for the first time in five years.
How much money do small charities receive in grants from the voluntary sector?
- In 2018/19, small charities received £762m in grants from the voluntary sector.
- This represents a fall in voluntary sector grant income. Between 2013/14 and 2017/18, small charities received a higher level of grants from the voluntary sector, between £845m and £927m, adjusted for inflation.
What share of grants from independent funders go to small charities?
- 59% of grants from independent grantmakers went to small charities in 2019.
- The share of grants distributed to small charities has increased over a five year period, particularly to those with an income of over £100k.
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Further reading
NCVO 2020 UK Civil Society Almanac 2020
360 Giving (ND) Grantnav: search and download UK grants data
Third Sector Trends Research 2020 The Strength of Weak Ties: How charitable trusts and foundations collectively contribute to civil society in North East England