UK charity sector

Quick facts

• 164,415 charities1 in the UK in 2007… up 40% since 1995.2
• The third sector is dominated by 18 large charities, which generate one eighth of the sector’s income2 (these are household names such as Cancer Research UK, Oxfam and British Heart Foundation.)
• The top 2% of charities command 70% of sector revenue.
• The recession has not changed the causes that donors choose to support: Medical research charities and religious organisations have the highest donations, with the latter, accounting for 15% of the total amount.3
• 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

• 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.
• See Philanthropy UK’s website for more information about trends in the charity sector.

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)

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