# London’s SMEs looking to increase support for local causes, research shows - Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/08/30/londons-smes-looking-increase-support-local-causes-research-shows/ - Published: 2018-08-30T08:52:55+01:00 - Author: Melanie May **Over two thirds (69%) of the capital’s SMEs say they do not currently support charities in their borough or the wider London area, but the majority want to help local causes more, according to a survey for OnSide Youth Zones.**   A survey of 500 SME owners and key decision makers across London was carried out on behalf of [OnSide Youth Zones](https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/) for its report [_Making the community your business: Understanding the relationship between London’s SME philanthropists & local charities_](https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/news/new-research-sme-philanthropists-attitudes-to-supporting-local-charities-in-london/). ## Advertisement   It found that 14% currently support causes in the community where they are based, while 17% support those in other areas of London. Barriers to supporting local causes were:   * 47% said a lack of time stopped them from getting involved with local charities * 34% said they were not aware what was needed locally * 23% are concerned with the risk of their chosen charity failing * 17% believe there aren’t any local charities relevant to their priorities   However, the research indicates that this may be changing with 80% saying they are planning to increase support for charities in their local communities. Of these, 27% say they will focus efforts on fundraising activity, 28% will make cash donations, 17% will volunteer and 9% plan to offer pro-bono services.   The majority of those questioned already provide support worth over £10,000 to charity each year.  30% currently donate time and money worth between £10,000 and £20,000 annually, and another 36% give between £20,000 and £50,000.   OnSide Youth Zones’ research also found that 83% of business owners and key decision makers in London SMEs feel their local community would benefit from more collaboration between themselves and charitable organisations. Of those surveyed, 34% would look to create a partnership between their SME and a charity and 29% would be willing to sit on the board of trustees.   When evaluating opportunities, 55% of respondents believe it is important to consider whether the charitable activity will have a measurable impact and 41% want to ensure that the organisations they support are sustainable.   The survey also highlighted key concerns amongst philanthropists with 47% feeling that they lack the time to become involved with local charities, 34% said they are not aware of what need there is locally and almost a quarter (23%) were worried about the risk of their chosen charity failing.   Kathryn Morley, Chief Executive for OnSide Youth Zones, said:   > “It’s fantastic to see growing appetite amongst London’s SME philanthropists to > support local causes and use their success to deliver lasting benefits for the > communities where they are based. > “In our experience, when charities harness the enthusiasm, commitment and skills > of the private sector it has a transformative effect for those in society who > need the most support. > “It’s therefore essential that charities find a way to tap into this opportunity > by engaging local philanthropists and facilitating opportunities to form deep > and lasting relationships.” * **[‘Whole city’ approach required to address decline in Londoners’ giving, says report](https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/09/03/whole-city-approach-required-address-decline-londoners-giving-says-report/)**( 3 September 2018) * **[Businesses’ commitment to social good recognised in Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards](https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/09/26/businesses-commitment-social-good-recognised-lord-mayors-dragon-awards/)**( 26 September 2018) * **[Charities given over £400k to provide legal services following Universal Credit roll out](https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/12/24/charities-given-400k-provide-legal-services-universal-credit-roll/)**( 24 December 2018) ![Loading](https://fundraising.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/page-views-count/ajax-loader- 2x.gif)