East of England sees dip in charitable donations for 2025
Research suggests stronger community ties could boost donations
Recent research indicates a decline in charitable donations in the east of England, where people allocated just 0.84% of their disposable income to charity in 2025, down from the national average the previous year.
The data is sourced from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) report, highlighting regional discrepancies in charitable giving and the role of community engagement.
According to CAF's Local Giving Report, 58% of individuals in the east of England donated to charity in the last year.
Moreover, charitable giving in the eastern region represents only 0.84% of their disposable income, compared to the national percentage of 1.1%.
The report also notes that 30% engaged with their communities last year, with only 16% expressing interest in more community involvement.
Despite this, 51% of respondents expressed a sense of local pride, and 48% acknowledged the positive impact of charities in their area.
Suffolk Community Foundation, the largest independent grant maker in Suffolk, welcomed the report and its findings.
Chief Executive Hannah Bloom emphasised the importance of supporting local charities through donations, campaigning, or volunteering.
Bloom said, "Charities are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in making Suffolk a better place to live by supporting those in need ... it is so important to continue supporting them wherever possible."
Mark Greer, Managing Director of CAF, commented on the potential for communities to encourage greater giving.
Greer said, "When people are engaged in a local area, they tend to give more. We need targeted investment and collaboration from government, philanthropists and businesses to revitalise local cultures of giving."