Grants and donations

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.

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%).

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.

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.

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.

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.

insights

How many people work and volunteer for small charities?

insights

What skills are small charities strongest in? Where do they need upskilling?