Millennials and Gen Z are the most generous generations and are 'key' to a surge in donations for charities in the year ahead, a new report has found.

JustGiving’s 25 Years of Giving, a report launched to celebrate the fundraising platform’s 25th anniversary, has found those under the age of 35 are donating the most per year on average.

The report found millennials and Gen Z give an average of more than £536 per year, compared to an average of £206 from Gen X and £294 from the baby boomer generation.

Half of Gen Z respondents to the survey revealed that they donated more in 2024 than they did in 2023, while 34% of millennials also reported donating more in 2024.

Donations remain more stable among older groups, which are typically giving around the same amount per year.

Over two thirds of Gen X and baby boomer respondents (69% and 70% respectively) said they gave around the same amount to charity in 2024 as they had in the two years’ prior.

“What’s truly heartening is how the spirit of giving continues to flourish across generations, with younger people stepping forward to champion causes they deeply care about and raising incredible amounts for them,” JustGiving’ president and general manager, Pascale Harvie said.

She added that it is also “encouraging to see charity leaders remaining optimistic about the year ahead”.

The report revealed 65% of those surveyed said they felt positive about the sector’s prospects in the year ahead, with 94% reporting they had met, or were on track to meet, their fundraising targets for 2024.

More than half of leaders also said they are expecting to see donations increase year-on-year in 2025.

“It’s encouraging to see charity leaders remaining optimistic about the year ahead, with the overwhelming majority achieving their fundraising goals, despite the challenging cost of living crisis affecting many people across the UK,” Harvie added.

JustGiving’s report reflects on a number of other changes in the fundraising landscape since the platform launched in 2000, as well as looking ahead to the future of fundraising.

Since its inception, the platform has helped to raise over £7bn for charities, with more than 227 million donations made through the platform over the past 25 years.

“For 25 years, we’ve proudly stood alongside fundraisers, empowering them to make a difference for the causes closest to their hearts. Helping these extraordinary individuals raise over £7 billion during that time is an achievement we treasure,” Harvie said.

“As we mark our 25th anniversary, our commitment to making fundraising simple, impactful, and accessible for everyone remains stronger than ever.”

You can access the full 25 Years of Giving here.

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