The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has reported a “£300 million increase” in donations throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
More than £958 million was paid to “tens of thousands” of charities and social enterprises in over 100 countries, including the UK.
The third sector organisation helps charities access funds “as quickly and safely as possible” through international grant-making and fundraising programmes.
According to The Trustees’ Report for 2020/21, donations to the organisation increased by 43 per cent (or around £300 million) during the coronavirus pandemic, topping £1 billion “for the first time”.
Of this, more than £100 million was generated in partnership with the UK’s insurance and long-term savings industry’s ‘Covid-19 Support Fund’ and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s ‘Community Match Challenge’, the report reveals.
The CAF Bank also increased its financial support to not-for-profits in 2020/21, providing £164.7 million in loans and other finance facilities.
Commenting on the figures, Neil Heslop, OBE, Chief Executive of CAF, said: “The Charities Aid Foundation exists to accelerate progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all. This remarkable year of generosity, with more than £1 billion donated into our care, demonstrates that the philanthropists and businesses that we partner with share this ambition.
“Together, we enable charities to do more life-changing work with lasting benefits and true impact where it matters most. We collaborate across sectors and borders, with governments and fellow funders seeking innovation so civil society may thrive.”