The number of people giving to charity during November is down by 3.8m on pre-pandemic levels, according to latest research.

Despite November normally being a peak month for pre-Christmas donations, just 36% of people donated or sponsored someone for charity this time around.

This is down from 43% of people in a typical November pre-Covid pandemic.

November is usually a major week for fundraising events, including Giving Tuesday, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and BBC Children in Need, says the research, which has been published by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) .

“Some charities rely on November fundraising to fun their work for the following year,” said CAF.

“However, festive giving has been lacklustre for the last few years due to the pandemic restricting opportunities for fundraising events.

“Now the cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll too as people understandably reduce their spending.”

CAF found that one in ten people decided not to make a one-off donation due to the cost-of-living crisis and 5% had reduced or cancelled regulating giving due to rising costs.

Meanwhile, one in five people are looking to cut back on their giving to cover their household bills.

The cut in giving ahead of December comes amid soaring demand for charity services. CAF found that a third of charities have seen demand for their support “increase significantly” compared to last year.

This year it emerged that BBC Children in Need’s 2022 telethon show raised £35m, a fall of £4m on last year’s on the night total.

People giving less...

Early analysis of this year’s Giving Tuesday, published earlier this month by online fundraiser Benevity, found that while more people donated to good causes, they are giving less than in 2021.

“People cutting back on their donations during the Christmas period is understandable but it’s a concern for the many charities that rely on festive fundraising, especially following two years of cancelled charitable events and appeals,” said CAF chief executive Neil Heslop.

“Charities know more than most the pressures people are feeling as they try to provide for their families during this incredibly challenging time.”

Despite the dip in giving CAF’s research for November suggests that people will be ready to donate more in the immediate run up to Christmas this month and in future when the cost-of-living crisis eases.

It found that half of people say they are more aware of those in need in their local community due to inflation.

One in five said they are more likely to donate to charity this Christmas as a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis and two in five say they are likely to donate to tackle homelessness or food poverty.

…and giving later

According to research released earlier this week by WPNC’s donations platform goDonate, many charity supporters have been putting off donating until nearer to Christmas Day after being distracted by the FIFA 2022 Men’s World Cup and after leaving spending decisions to the last minute due to the cost of living crisis.

Meanwhile, research released by Metro Bank this month has found that 57% of people are still committed to giving to charity this Christmas despite personal financial challenges. However, the research found that more than four in ten people are looking to cut back on their festive spending this year.

“This year has been tricky to navigate for everyone, and with rising costs across the board, it is heartening to see that people are still so invested in giving to charity, especially during the festive period,” said Metro Bank Charity Committee chair Tina Coates.

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