What the decline in UK giving means for our communities 

On Sunday 22 March, I had the opportunity to join BBC Politics South alongside local MPs, Alex Brewer MP (North East Hants) and Dr Beccy Cooper MP (Worthing West) to discuss a growing challenge for our sector: the decline in charitable giving across the UK.

The latest research shows a concerning shift. Fewer people are giving to charity than a decade ago, even as the need for support continues to rise. While some donors are giving more, the overall picture is one of increasing pressure on charities and community organisations. This is often felt most keenly by those working at a local, grassroots level.

At HIWCF, we see the reality behind these figures every day.

We work closely with hundreds of small charities and community groups who are supporting people facing poverty, isolation and disadvantage. Many are responding to increasingly complex needs – from families struggling with the cost of living, to young people facing barriers to opportunity. What is striking is not just the scale of the challenge, but the determination of these organisations to keep going, often with limited and uncertain funding.

The decline in giving is not simply about economics, it also reflects changing habits, shifting trust and the way people connect – or don’t connect – with causes. For all of us in the sector, it raises important questions about how we build stronger relationships with donors, how we communicate impact, and how we make giving feel relevant and meaningful in people’s everyday lives. And it is vital that we do, because around 50% of people in the UK need support from a charity or community group.

This is where HIWCF and the Community Foundation sector, have a vital role to play.

We act as a bridge between those who want to give and the communities that need support, ensuring that funding reaches the organisations making the greatest difference locally. Community Foundations work with donors, funders and Philanthropists to ensure that the charities and community groups receiving funding are well run, robust and well-evidenced. Just as importantly, we help tell the stories behind the statistics, bringing to life the real experiences of people and communities across our region.

That’s why we are continuing to invest in conversations like our new podcast series, which shines a light on local challenges and the organisations responding to them. Because rebuilding, or redefining a culture of giving, starts with understanding, connection and trust.

I don’t believe there is a single solution to reversing this trend, but what is clear is that local giving has never been more important. When we come together to support our communities, we create not just immediate impact, but stronger, more resilient places for the future.

You can view the BBC Politics South programme for 22.03.26 here.