Charitable Giving in Northern Ireland 2008

This research into charitable giving in Northern Ireland reveals a changing picture and poses a number of challenges for fundraisers at a time when prevailing economic conditions are worsening.

The Northern Ireland Giving Survey 2008 was carried out in November 2007. Using telephone interviews 1,008 individuals (aged 16 and over) were asked about their giving behaviour over the previous month. The research draws comparisons with the findings of the Northern Ireland Giving Survey 2005.

This research offers an insight into:

• who gives
• how much they give
• what causes they give to
• the use and awareness of Gift Aid
• reasons for not giving.

Key findings include:

• 91% of individuals had made a charitable donation in the previous 12 months.
• The average (mean) donation made is £22.69 per month and the median donation made is £14.00.
• Cash donations made in a place of worship generate a substantially higher financial yield than any of the other named giving methods.
• The most popular form of giving is philanthropic giving, used by 70.6% of individuals; this includes cash donations and cash donations made in a place of worship.
• Females are more likely than their male counterparts to make charitable donations, though males give slightly higher average donations.
• Over three quarters (77.0%) of donors feel it is important or very important that people in Northern Ireland benefit from charitable donations made.