# Charities predict post-pandemic decline in giving

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/04/26/charities-predict-post-pandemic-decline-in-giving/
- Published: 2021-04-26T08:45:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Research commissioned by the Covid-19 Support Fund, which was established by the
insurance and long-term savings sector, suggests charities face further challenges
over the next year and into 2022 with charitable giving by the public predicted 
to fall.**

Four in 10 (40%) charities questioned said they expect fewer donations in the next
year. An estimated 2.2 million givers intend to cut back the amount they donate 
post-pandemic, while around 1.6 million have already had to cancel a direct debit
to charity.

The study findings also suggest that the way people give might change. Of those 
who do still intend to donate, more than one in ten (11%) are planning to donate
more to smaller charities and causes post-pandemic. 10% want to support charities
by gifting their time through volunteering.

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Colm Holmes, Chair of the [Covid-19 Support Fund](https://www.covid19support.org.uk/)
Governance Committee & Global CEO, General Insurance, Aviva said: 

> “Our findings suggest charities could face a funding shortfall going into 2022
> which could have serious repercussions on those who depend on their support.  
> Whilst we are on a roadmap to recovery, keeping charities afloat in these tough
> times is crucial in helping the nation build back better.”

Kerrie Eastman, CEO at Essex-based Streets2Homes, which runs a day centre for homeless
people in the community, commented**:** 

> “We’ve had many individuals and organisations show empathy towards our work during
> the pandemic and who have generously donated money and essential items to benefit
> the Harlow homeless community. Whilst it’s difficult to predict what the next 
> year will bring, after giving so much during the crisis, we are anticipating a
> fall in donations from the public post-pandemic – many of our supporters are local
> people and small businesses who have and will continue to suffer the decline in
> the economy due to the loss of employment, reduced salaries and the impact the
> pandemic. As a small charity this is obviously concerning for us, but we remain
> optimistic.
> 
> “We have been fortunate to benefit from the Covid-19 Support Fund via the National
> Emergencies Trust and Essex Community Foundation. The funds we received allowed
> us to continue supporting those in need with essential services and also meet 
> operational costs, ensuring our survival. As a result, Streets2Homes is still 
> here and very much ready to reopen the doors to our day centre as soon as it is
> safe to do so.”

Gee Cook CEO of [New Routes](https://newroutes.org.uk/), a refugee charity in Norwich,
agreed, adding: 

> “The pandemic has affected charities up and down the country, and New Routes is
> no exception to that. Although it has been wonderful to see people in the Norwich
> community come together and support local causes over the course of the pandemic,
> as a small charity we have also noticed the impact that the prolonged crisis is
> having on people’s ability to give.
>  
> “Over the past few months we have definitely noticed a reduction in the number
> of ad-hoc donations compared to previous years, which can really add up for a 
> small charity like ours. This makes our regular donors even more important, but
> we’re also seeing fewer of those coming on board lately.
>  
> “Large businesses are in a position to really help plug this funding gap. Our 
> NET grant came via the Covid-19 Support Fund, and was massively important for 
> us at a time when other sources of funding dried up. Without it we might have 
> struggled to offer the services that our community desperately needs during this
> time.”