Quick facts

• 165,000 charities1 in the UK in 2005 … up 40% since 1995.2
• The sector is dominated by 18 large charities (with an annual income of more than £100m); these are household names such as Cancer Research UK, Oxfam and British Heart Foundation.
• The top 2% of charities command 70% of sector revenue.
• Charities with over £10m in annual income have grown their income by 14% in the past year.3
• Smaller charities in contrast (with an annual income of less than £1m) have seen their income decline by 18% in the past year.
• Medical research charities and religious organisations once again have the highest donations, commanding 33% of all giving.4
• Giving to overseas charities declined by 4% points after increases in 2005/06.4
• Charities have seen their income shifting from cash donations to earned income (eg, charity shops, events etc.). Earned income has increased from 33% of total in 1995 to 48% in 2005.2
• 2.2% of the UK workforce work in the charity sector (611,000). 39% work part time (compared with 23% in the private sector); 44% of the UK population volunteered in 2005, and this figure is expected to increase.2

% of total giving to different charity causes 2006/7

Source: UK Giving 2006/7 NCVO

Sector trends

• The sector is robust and growing – with increasing income and employment.
• Larger charities are currently capturing all of the segment growth – through mergers and more sophisticated brand building activities.
• Smaller charities are springing up to support more specific causes and local issues, but are struggling to compete with a less reliable income base and less sophisticated resources.

Notes

1. Charities defined as active 'general' charities – excluding organisations such as independent schools, quangos (such as the British Council) and religious bodies.
2. The UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2007, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
3. Charity Trends 2007, Charities Aid Foundation.
4. UK Giving Report 2007 (NCVO)