# One third of Christmas appeals outperformed previous year, says CAF

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/01/13/one-third-christmas-appeals-outperformed-previous-year-says-caf/
- Published: 2009-01-13T12:19:51+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

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An online poll of 35 charities by the Institute of Fundraising and the Charities
Aid Foundation has found that 29% of charities said that their 2008 Christmas appeals
raised more than their appeal in 2007.

Over half (58%) reported that their Christmas appeal had raised as much or more 
than the previous year. For example, Shelter hit its seasonal fundraising target,
and SPEAR, a small West London charity that coaches unemployed young people to help
them get into work or back into education, raised £120,000 at their Christmas event,
about £5,000 more than last year.

The charities that responded to the survey included the British Red Cross, Cancer
Research UK, Christian Aid, and the Salvation Army.

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One third (34%) of charities that responded said they had received fewer funds.

The results of these appeals matter because 37% of charities in the survey said 
that they are either already facing or expect an increase in demand for their services
as a result of the economic downturn.

Lindsay Boswell, Chief Executive at the [Institute of Fundraising](http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk)
said: “This is great news as before Christmas many charities were worried that they
would see a fall in donations. Those charities who had successful campaigns will
be celebrating as this will help them to help more people”.

The survey of charities was carried out online between 18 December 2008 and 6 January
2009.

www.cafonline.org

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