Four out of ten (41%) donors say government tops ups, such as Gift Aid and match funding, make then more likely to give.

However a higher proportion (48%) of donors say that such incentives have no impact on their giving, while 2% said initiatives such as Gift Aid make them less likely to give.

The findings have been revealed in a survey by Charities Aid Foundation. This asked donors whether they would be more or less likely to give if the government topped up their donations.

The survey comes amid a charity sector campaign to urge ministers to bring in a temporary increase in Gift Aid relief, to help charities cope with the financial impact of Covid-19.

The proposed change would see charities receive £133.33, rather than £125 for a £100 donation once Gift Aid had been claimed.

Commenting on those who are incentivised by government schemes to give, CAF head of research Susan Pinkey said: “People want to do all they can and these survey results demonstrate that with extra encouragement from the Government, they will dig deeper to help more if they can.”

The survey results also reveal that more than half (55%) of 35-44 year olds are worried about their household income over the next six months, suggesting donations could fall.

A similar proportion (51%) of 25-34-year-olds are worried about their finances, while only around a third (36%) of 16-24-year-olds and a quarter (24%) of over 65s are either worried or quite worried about their income.

“It is heartening to see that despite the economic worries facing so many UK households, the willingness to help those in need is still very strong,” added Pinkney.

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