Charities cannot rely on Christmas to provide a boost to their donations from the public, according to a new survey, which shows only 20% of donors give more during the seasonal period.
The study, by consultancy firm nfpSynergy , found that a similar number – 17% – said they found it harder to donate to charity at this time of year.
nfpSynergy co-founder Joe Saxton admitted he was surprised that only one in five people said they would give more over Christmas, but the economic downturn was likely to deter some.
“Uncertainty means people are going to be more cautious,” he said. “It makes people less likely to give at Christmas. Charities need to be sensitive, but can’t stop asking because they have their own clients and services to think about.”
The poll did show increased public awareness of charities over the festive season. Almost half of those surveyed said they “usually buy charity Christmas cards”, 31% said they were “more likely to buy a product that makes a donation to charity” and 29% said they “hear more about charities at Christmas”.
