The Charity Pages Issue 29

Charitable thoughts...

As long as these pages have been published we have been reporting on Remember A Charity, the organisation that represents a host of charities that rely on gifts in wills. That is still nowhere near as long as Remember A Charity has been in existence: that respected body is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Part of those celebrations was a Legacy Festival held in March. One participant shares some take-outs from the event.

• The legacy sector has seen a major development this spring. Reporting and research bodies Smee & Ford and Legacy Futures have come together to produce a new report, the Legacy Giving Report 2025 . It paints an optimistic picture for the future of legacy giving.

• Legacy Futures have also become the sponsors of the Institute of Legacy Management’s ILM Awards. These are presented at the ILM’s annual conference, which took place in May. In fact, the spring was a busy time for award-winners, with Smee & Ford’s own awards ceremony taking place in April.

• The past few months have also seen a flurry of activity on the legislative front when it comes to the charity sector generally. The big event was the publication of the new Code of Fundraising Conduct

by the Fundraising Regulator. The code, designed to be clearer and more concise, is explained by the regulator’s own Suzanne McCarthy.

• The Charity Commission has also issued new guidance, this time on the recruitment of trustees. As we have reported in the past, many charities are finding it difficult to recruit people prepared to commit to being trustees. The new guidance even advocates advertising in suitable publications.

• Those of us old enough to remember dog licences will also have been aware of the joke that it had been 7/6d ‘forever’ (actually since 1878, changing to 37½p in 1971), despite inflation. To avoid the thresholds for charity registration and other fees falling into the same disrepute, the Law Commission recommended that the government review the thresholds every 10 years. That review is now out for consultation.

• A much greater expense for charities is the everincreasing need for technology. A local charity I am associated with recently had to foot the bill for new recording equipment and laptops, so I’m aware of the issue. The answer could lie in refurbished kit. Some big names can oblige.

EVERY DAY WE MAKE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN, BUT WE CAN ONLY DO IT WITH YOUR HELP

The photograph on the right of border collie Nipper was taken on the same day that he’d been taken to a vet’s to be put to sleep. Purchased as a ‘surprise’ gift, he was unwanted. This beautiful puppy was just eight weeks old and is just one of almost 10,000 animals rescued by Friends of the Animals.

There was a happy ending as –now renamed Stanley – he was rehomed with one of the charity’s voluntary drivers, who adores him.

Friends of the Animals began in March 1990 and had very humble beginnings. Veterinary treatment is invariably the charity’s biggest outgoing and to date they have spayed or neutered 45,000 animals. Thousands more have been wormed and inoculated – often for the first time in their lives!

Founder Helen Sinclair MBE, who was honoured for Services to Animal Welfare in 2014, takes up the story: “There have been many memorable cases, where we’ve saved animals’ lives against all the odds. Animals such as the puppy who slipped under the railings of a balcony – luckily bouncing off the conservatory roof which broke her fall. Then there was the dog who fell down a manhole in the road after someone had removed the cover, and poor Marshall, who had three broken legs and a severed ear.

“Susie, a Labrador/Staffy cross (pictured above), was badly burnt in a house fire, but made a good recovery; and the dear little cat above had everything wrong with him, but survived and thrived.

“When 11 month old Border Collie ‘J.J.’ came into our care, she had a pin / plate poking through

a badly infected front leg, a paw so badly crushed the bones had fused together and a stab wound.

“Her original owner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and was fined £2,000 and banned from keeping an animal for ten years.

“As you can see from the wonderful photo below, ‘J.J.’ went on to much better things.”

Gifts in wills fund one in two veterinary treatments and so legacies are an absolute lifeline to the rescue and spaying/neutering work carried out by Friends of the Animals.

The charity has a policy of non-destruction, unless an animal is sick or injured with no hope of recovery, and they keep admin costs to a minimum. Very importantly, 90% of their staff are volunteers, which ensures as much of your gift as possible is spent on saving animals.

Pitted against that constant battle to save lives was the action of the person who set fire to the front of the Charity’s base.

“But, happily,” said Helen, “we're a resilient team and together with the help of supporters, we barely skipped a beat and just kept on going.

“We truly appreciate that people have many choices regarding charities to support, but no one appreciates it more, or tries harder than we do, to get the very best possible use from every penny donated. Thank you for your consideration.”

STUDY TRACKS LEGACY GIVING AMONG CHARITY SUPPORTERS

[ JUST UNDER ONE THIRD of charity supporters with wills have included a charitable gift in that will, according to the annual consumer tracking study released by Remember A Charity. Legacy giving is most widespread among younger willmakers and volunteers.

The study is carried out by independent research firm OKO and surveys more than 2,000 charity donors aged 40-plus to track legacy giving attitudes and behaviour. Over the past 15 years the study has tracked long-term forward movement in legacy giving from awareness through to preparation and action. The latest survey was carried out in November 2024.

Among supporters with a will (61%), the study shows that those without children are twice as likely to have pledged a gift. Half of those supporters say they have done so, compared to one in four of those with children. However, legacy giving has become increasingly prevalent across the board, particularly for younger will-makers.

Among the key findings are that 31% of supporters aged 40-plus with a will have already included a charitable gift, rising to around half of those without children.

Legacy giving prevalent for Generation X

Although older generations are more likely to have a will, 34% of people with wills in their 40s and 50s have included a charitable gift compared with 30% of those aged over 60. Delving into when people first pledge a gift, the data reveals that over half of legacy pledgers had done so in their 40s (23%) and 50s (32%), with others at an even younger age.

While that leaves great scope for change over time, it is worth highlighting that 50% of those with a will have never changed it, including 41% of those aged over 70. What’s more, supporters are four times as likely to have added than removed a charity when making changes to their will (43% as opposed to 11%). The majority of pledgers (67%) haven’t told the charity they have left a donation in their will.

Lucinda Frostick, director of Remember A Charity – the UK’s charity consortium working to grow the legacy giving market – commented: “For the first time of running this study we asked supporters to tell us how old they were when they wrote a charity into their will, revealing

SAVING LIVES ONE SNIFF AT A TIME

[ HYPO HOUNDS provide a viable health care alternative for children and their families by training a Diabetic Alert Dog to detect the subtle changes in the child’s blood sugar levels.

The dogs are trained to alert parents when the child’s sugar levels drop dangerously low or rise too high. This not only impacts on the child but also on the family’s ability to function as a unit, with the registered carer becoming the dog.

Hypo Hounds work is becoming nationally recognised and is literally saving the lives of children – one sniff at a time. q

that many pledgers include a charity at a younger age than fundraisers might anticipate. While this enthusiasm for giving amongst younger generations is greatly encouraging and bodes well for the future of the legacy market, the reality is that stewarding supporters for many decades is a challenge, particularly when so many pledgers are unknown.

“This generation of hidden pledgers emphasises the importance for charities of maintaining best practice across the board, building trust and confidence in all they do and of continuing to nurture every supporter as a prospective legator.”

Long-term rise in legacy giving

Across the study, only 8% of respondents rejected the concept of leaving a charitable gift in their will in 2024, down from 13% in 2010. Those most likely to have pledged a gift include volunteers (29%), those who have been supported by or have fundraised for a charity (28%), and those who donate regularly (27% for weekly donors, and 25% for monthly donors).

Lucinda explained: “While legacy giving may seem – and often is – a natural progression from regular giving, the study shows that there is a strong correlation with volunteering, along with those who have benefitted from charitable services.

“This highlights the opportunity for charities to ensure that their volunteers know about the importance of legacies, how valued they are and that any such gifts can help to make a difference to the charity’s work long into the future.”

Motivations and barriers

Key motivations for including a charitable gift include the recognition that: even a small gift can make a difference (35%); charities rely on gifts in wills to continue their vital work (30%); and leaving a gift is a natural step after supporting charities for a long time (27%).

For those who have written a will, but haven’t included a charitable gift, one in four simply didn’t think about it at the time. The most prevalent reason (63%) for not including a charity was that they wanted to leave everything to family and friends, while 30% said it was because they didn’t have the money or assets to leave a large amount. q

[A NEW REVIEW of the legacy market has been launched jointly by Smee & Ford and Legacy Futures. The Legacy Giving Report 2025 reveals a record-breaking year for the legacy sector, with legacy income growing by 9% in 2024: up from a 1.3% increase the previous year.

The free report presents the most comprehensive analysis of the legacy market to date, with fresh data, long-term trends and real-world case studies designed to support fundraisers, legacy professionals, senior leaders and boards members in planning for the future.

Legacy gifts now make up an average of 30% of fundraised income across the top 1,000 legacy-supported charities, with some sectors such as animal, conservation and disability charities seeing figures as high as 50%.

The number of charitable estates has reached 46,000, the report reveals – a 22% rise from 2023 and now making up 16.6% of probated estates. There were 145,000 individual gifts, the highest number on record – despite fewer deaths.

House prices, death rates and tax changes all play their part. To what extent and why

those factors impact on legacies is explored in the report, including the upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax and how they could affect donor behaviour.

Although short-term projections indicate modest growth, the long-term outlook is strong. As the Baby Boomer generation moves into later life, the volume and value of legacy giving are expected to rise, with legacy income forecast to more than double by 2050 – reaching £10.5bn.

The report was launched at a free webinar on 14 May, which featured Mark Pincher, head of data at Smee & Ford, Kath Horsley, senior consultant at Legacy Futures, and Ashley Rowthorn, executive director for charities at Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford.

In his Introduction, Ashley Rowthorn paid tribute to the qualities the two organisations brought to bear in compiling the report, writing: “This report marks a significant step forward in how we understand and support legacy giving across the UK. By uniting the unique strengths of both organisations –Smee & Ford’s extensive wills and probate data, and Legacy Futures’ market insight and forecasting – together we’ve created a single,

comprehensive resource. Our aim is to equip charities of every size with the intelligence they need to grow, refine and future-proof their legacy fundraising strategies.”

He also remarked on the future potential of the partnership between the two organisations: “Since forming our partnership, our mission has been to combine expertise, insight and innovation to better serve the sector. This report is just the start of what we can achieve together.” q

FINDING FOREVER HOMES FOR ABANDONED ANIMALS REPORT REVEALS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY’S LEGACY MARKET

[FOR OVER 80 YEARS Ferne Animal Sanctuary has given hope to animals in desperate need, working tirelessly to find forever homes for those who have never known warmth and safety or offering lifelong care for sanctuary residents.

Much of the support their animals receive – including food, a comfortable bed and veterinary care – is only made possible thanks to the generosity and support of those who believe that every animal deserves a second chance.

By leaving a gift in your will to Ferne Animal Sanctuary, you create a lasting impact that extends far beyond your lifetime. Your legacy will ensure that countless animals receive the love and care they deserve, providing a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn.

Not only will your gift secure a brighter future for those who need it most, but it’s also a testament to your unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of animals. Consider leaving a gift to Ferne Animal Sanctuary and help to give every animal a chance to feel safe, happy and loved. q

A FUTURE FREE FROM HEART DISEASE

[ HEART RESEARCH UK is a charity dedicated to creating a future free from heart diseases – and you can be a part of this journey by leaving them a gift in your will.

Every five minutes, someone dies from heart diseases in the UK. Coronary heart disease is one of the UK’s single biggest killers, with twice as many women dying from coronary heart disease than breast cancer and nearly four times as many men as from prostate cancer. It is likely that it will impact your life one day, if it hasn’t already.

Over 80% of Heart Research UK’s vital work is funded through gifts in wills, and your kind support will help to discover the next breakthrough in treatment. Donations to Heart Research UK fund life saving medical research and support people across the UK to keep their hearts healthy.

A gift in your will, no matter how big or small, can stop the devastation that heart diseases cause, by powering new treatments and cures, until there are no more deaths from heart diseases. q

• Visit Heart Research UK’s website, download their free leaflet, email jess@heartresearch.org.uk or call 0113 234 7474 to find out more

LEGACY PROFESSIONALS GATHER

FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

[ON 9 MAY the Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) held its annual conference at Convene 133 Houndsditch in the City of London.

ILM members were joined by corporate partners, sponsors and speakers to bring the total attending to over 360 people: a growth of around 25% from the previous year, and the most the conference has ever attracted.

With a wide-ranging agenda that showcased everything from explaining the mysteries of grossing up by Peter Jeffreys from Wilsons to Bolt Burdon’s interactive Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask Your Lawyer – feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Posting an initial round-up, ILM’s commentator gave a shout-out to George Densham from Carter Jonas for his engaging and enthusiastic insight on the topic of whether to sell or retain a property asset; and to Paul Hewitt and Natasha Stourton from Withers, who managed to weave a BearCam livestream into their presentation on charity mergers; while Foot Anstey brought a gameshow vibe with the Buzzword Bingo session on contentious probate.

In a change from the ‘normal’ order of the day, this year’s conference featured breakout sessions hosted by premium sponsors Probate.Auction and FirstClass: the first hosting a live property auction and the second sharing both experiences and future insight into its technology – both of which proved very popular.

CEO of the ILM Matthew Lagden commented: “This has been such an incredible day. We are both humbled and delighted at the support shown by all our members, by the success of the event itself and the real sense of community which has been at the heart of today.

“We absolutely love it when our members come together; we are extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve and thanks must go to our outstanding team for their dedication in delivering such a fantastic conference.”

His words were echoed by ILM chair James Stebbings, who brought the day to a conclusion: “It has been a brilliant, brilliant conference – it has been everything I wanted it to be. A huge thank you too to all our presenters, corporate partners, sponsors and supporters. We could not do this without them. And thanks also to our members for joining us today.

“I am so proud of what has been achieved, it has been fantastic and just so great to see so many of you here. I love this community and I hope you all do too.” q

HELP FOR THOSE WITH FAILING SIGHT

[FAILING EYESIGHT is nothing short of a personal catastrophe. Do you have a family member, friend or neighbour who is gradually losing their sight?

Reading, recognising friends and living skills are all affected as your sight is going – and it’s much harder if you live alone.

The National Federation of the Blind of the UK (NFBUK) keeps its members in touch with general information, help and updates on what’s going on.

The charity produces bi-monthly news magazines and circulars in audio, braille or electronically, which members can read independently. It also encourages blind and partially sighted people to play a fuller part in society. q

• For further information contact NFBUK on 01924 291313, email admin@nfbuk.org or visit www.nfbuk.org

AWARDS HONOUR LEGACY SECTOR’S CREAM

[ THE ILM CONFERENCE also saw the presentation of the ILM Awards, sponsored by Legacy Futures. The awards honour expertise and skill, reward excellence, and provide the opportunity to say thank you to those who give back to the legacy community.

There are four awards, plus the Crispin Ellison Bursary Award: the ILM Mentor of the Year 2025, ILM CiCLA High Achievement Award 2025, ILM Diploma High Achievement Award 2025 and ILM Legacy Professional of the Year 2025.

Matthew Lagden, CEO of Legacy Futures and Smee and Ford, said: “Our annual awards recognise those legacy professionals who go above and beyond in their daily activities.”

The awards were presented by Ashley Rowthorn, executive director at Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford.

The ILM Mentor of the Year 2025 went to Meenaxi Patel of the British Heart Foundation; the ILM CiCLA High Achievement Award 2025 went to Anne Winterbottom from Guide Dogs for the Blind Association; the ILM Diploma High Achievement Award 2025 went to Caroline Myers of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance; and ILM Legacy Professional of the Year 2025 went to Marie Baines of the RSPCA.

The name Crispin Ellison is synonymous with the Institute of Legacy Management. In tribute to the organisation’s founder and lifetime president, every year the Crispin Ellison Bursary Award is presented in his memory at the annual conference to two ILM members to help further their future careers.

The Crispin Ellison Bursary 2025 Award winners were Becky Jedrzejewski of Essex Wildlife Trust and Michelle Pagett of The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice. q

NO DOG LEFT BEHIND

[CARING FOR UNCLAIMED stray dogs can be challenging and the rising numbers are having an impact on Hope Rescue’s already stretched resources. Most of these dogs have been deliberately abandoned and Hope has committed to never leaving a dog behind regardless of age, breed, health or behaviour. This means that many of the dogs that come to Hope need additional care, be that through veterinary treatment, behaviour and training support or both.

According to the charity: “We currently hold the local authority stray dog contracts for Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and the West Side of the Vale of Glamorgan and also commit to take in every unclaimed stray from the county boroughs of Merthyr, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.

“The challenges in the animal welfare sector mean that some stray dog kenneling providers have not been able to continue, especially if they do not have a rescue supporting them to rehome the unclaimed dogs once they have completed their statutory stray time of seven days.

“Caerphilly County Bourough Council recently found themselves in need of a new kennel provider and a new rescue to support the dogs after those crucial seven days. Stray dogs who have not been claimed by their owners after their statutory seven days are at risk of being put to sleep if they cannot secure a rescue space.

“Despite our welfare resources being under tremendous pressure, we could not leave these dogs behind to their fate and so have committed to take all unclaimed strays from Caerphilly County Bourough Council. There was no one else who was willing or able to do so.

“This crisis is not ending any time soon, and we urgently need your support to not only take in these dogs but reduce their length of stay which both improves welfare and enables us to help more dogs that need us.” q

• Find out more about how you can support Hope Rescue at www.hoperescue.org.uk or contact fundraising@hoperescue.org.uk

CHARITY AIMS TO RAISE EXTRA FUNDS IN ITS 75TH JUBILEE YEAR!

[THE HORSE RESCUE FUND is a long-established equine charity. In 2025 they will be celebrating 75 years of service to the equine welfare industry. The charity has a colourful history of pioneering work in changing attitudes towards equine welfare. Most recently they have had to adapt to helping horses relinquished to them due to economic problems or those associated with the social welfare issues of their owners.

As a smaller charity in the equine sector, it is unfortunately often overlooked for funding, which makes the 75th anniversary year celebrations all the more important for raising awareness as well as funds.

In the 75 years since the fund was established by the Walbancke family, hundreds of horses have been given a second chance at a happy life. From early days in their back garden to the purpose-built yard occupied today, the ethos has remained the same – Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

The charity currently has over 50 horses out in homes and can house up to 20 horses, ponies or donkeys on the yard, if needed. These horses, once in their care, are treated as individuals – staying at the yard until they are emotionally and physically ready for rehoming.

A spokesperson commented: “We feel that although we are not trying to turn over numbers, as a smaller charity we can make a real difference to the individual horse, offering a lifetime of ongoing care and support.”

This year the charity is running far more events than they normally do to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee! They need as many people as possible to participate and help them to continue their vital work. They aim to raise a substantial amount between now and December. The details of the events planned can be found on the website. Whether you are local to the charity or not there are many things you can participate in. No horse? no problem –there are non-riding events planned as well!

There will be an event taking place every month from March, keep an eye on the Horse Rescue Fund on social media and their website for details. q

LEGACY GIVING AWARDS CONTINUE TO REWARD TALENT

[

ON 24 APRIL the 2025 Smee & Ford Legacy Giving Awards brought together some of the most inspiring individuals and organisations in the legacy sector to celebrate innovation, dedication and impact.

The awards showcased the outstanding achievements, talent and dedication of UK legacy giving professionals, and highlighted the vital and significant income that gifts in wills bring to charities.

Now in their 3rd year, the unique awards aimed to inspire charities and their partners to think bigger and aim higher and to raise the profile of the valuable work of professionals within their own charities, while also providing a platform to benchmark the progress made through collaboration and innovation across the sector.

Hosted at the Hilton London Bankside, the day promoted talent, partnerships and creativity in legacy giving, provided insight and inspiration from the award-winning entries, encouraged lively discussion on the direction of the sector, and brought together this brilliant community to share their pride in working in this incredible sector.

The day began with an Excellence Forum featuring three dynamic panel discussions, each offering practical insight and inspiration. The first explored how charities can boost impact through collaboration, both internally and with external partners. The second focused on legacy stewardship excellence, showcasing ways to build meaningful, lasting relationships with pledges. The final panel was packed with creative campaign ideas from across the sector, spotlighting innovative

approaches that others can learn from.

The afternoon awards ceremony was hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield, whose sharp wit and warm delivery set the tone for a well-earned celebration. What followed was a heartfelt celebration of the people and partnerships behind the scenes – those who bring together clear purpose, thoughtful strategy and a deep commitment to meaningful, lasting impact.

Ashley Rowthorn, executive director for charities at Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford, said: “The Legacy Giving Awards are a heartfelt celebration of the people and organisations shaping the future – one gift at a time. Each legacy – whether headline-grabbing or quietly generous – carries profound meaning and sends a hopeful message across generations. After nearly 20 years in the sector, I've witnessed remarkable growth in legacy giving, but the spirit of generosity remains unchanged.

“At these awards we recognise not only outstanding achievements and creativity, but also the powerful human stories behind every legacy. This recognition couldn’t be more timely: at a moment when attracting and retaining talented legacy fundraisers is more difficult than ever, we’re reminded of the vital and rewarding careers this sector offers. Congratulations to all the finalists, winners and those who received a high commendation!” q

• To find out the full list of winners and highly commended visit legacygivingawards.co.uk/winners-2025

WORKING FOR THE NERVE TUMOURS COMMUNITY

[ NERVE TUMOURS UK provides support and information, as well as campaigning and raising awareness, on behalf of the 26,500 people in the UK who have NF – the medical name for a set of genetic conditions that cause tumours to grow on nerve endings, including Neurofibromatosis Type 1, NF2-related-Schwannomatosis and Schwannomatosis.

We’re here to improve lives for people with NF, by making sure they have access to the help they require.

The voice of the NF community

In 1981, Trish Green took part in a BBC radio programme Does he take sugar? and was put in touch with Clare Pepperell (Webb). Both ladies had been trying to find other families affected by Neurofibromatosis and as a result they founded The Neurofibromatosis Association which first became a registered charity in 1982.

Since then, the charity has evolved to become Nerve Tumours UK, the leading voice for people living with NF in the United Kingdom. By providing crucial medical and non-medical support, in the form of information, regional patient days, online communities, a network of healthcare professionals and a National NF Helpline, we help those who are living with NF to live the best life they can.

Improving the lives of those affected by NF

Nerve Tumours UK provides crucial support and empowerment for those affected by NF in the United Kingdom. NF is not limited to one group of people – regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability or wealth, if not catered for appropriately it can cause intense grief and isolation.

NF can be uncompromising, painful and punishing without the right support network. As long as the condition is around, we will

strive to provide better and more targeted support. Our Nerve Tumours UK Helpline and support network is available in every region of the country, and we endeavor to support those outside of the UK wherever possible.

We are staunch believers in equal rights and opportunities for all and welcome input from all external organisations, teams and supporters. We provide specialist, age-appropriate support for children and teens as well as adults.

Nerve Tumours UK is the authoritative voice of NF in the UK. We achieve this by providing first class information, support and advice as well as facilitating and promoting innovative research and being an advocate for those with NF. q

• Our Helpline is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm on 07939 046030

HOW DO WE MAKE SENSE OF ‘DEATH RATES’?

[ IN A POSTING on the Legacy Futures website, its head of analysis Doug Clow explained the seeming contradiction between the number of deaths and the death rate – figures used to project legacy income into the future.

“There’s a headline saying the UK death rate reached a record low last year,” he wrote. “The article explains that the rate is trending down slowly. But we at Legacy Futures are still talking about the number of deaths trending up over time. What’s going on?

“The risk of someone in the UK aged over 80 dying this year is lower than it’s ever been, and falling slowly. But our ageing population structure means there are more people in the UK aged over 80 than there have ever been, and that is rising. So we do still expect the number of deaths to increase over the coming years.”

He explained that there are different ways of looking at the figures. There is the ‘crude death rate’ and the ‘age-standardised mortality rate’. Each gives a different view of the same figures. “They’re not contradictory,” he explained, “but they are telling us different things.”

Crude death rate

That, said Doug Clow, is the most important one to look at to make sense of legacies: “This is nice and simple: it’s just the number of people who die each year. The more of those there are, the more chances there are for someone’s generous gift to charity in their will to take effect.

“This has been steadily increasing since around 2010 as the population bulge – the people born in the baby boom of the 1940s and 1950s – start to reach the older ages at which people die in greater numbers.”

The COVID-19 pandemic also caused the crude death rate to shoot up in 2020 and 2021. Then, in 2022/23, the terrible winter, with

HELPING THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE

[ZANE: ZIMBABWE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY is a UK registered charity working to help the most destitute, vulnerable and impoverished people in Zimbabwe. It is the largest supplier of financial aid to elderly people in Zimbabwe who lost their life savings and pensions in the economic collapse and subsequent hyper-inflation.

This includes around 465 frail veterans and their widows who fought for the Crown. ZANE assists with rent, medical bills and food –and, crucially, also provides comfort, advice and support.

In addition, ZANE funds a clubfoot correction programme, successfully treating over 6,200 children to date. ZANE also funds education programmes including the provision of pop-up classrooms in a high-density township for children who would otherwise not receive an education. It runs creative therapy workshops for women living in extreme poverty who are victims of political violence and trauma.

pressures on urgent care, added to the rise. Less severe winters since led to lower numbers of deaths, bringing the figure back to what it was.

“We are now more-or-less back on the long-term rising trend driven by the population bulge. So we expect more deaths in 2025 – about 665,000, according to the ONS,” he explained.

“Given the age structure of the population, we are confident that this trend of rising crude death rates will continue into the 2050s.”

Age-standardised mortality rate

That is the measure used to make sense of the health of the nation and gives a complementary picture.

Doug explained: “When we’re trying to make sense of the health of the nation, the crude death rate is potentially misleading. There are more people dying, but there are more old people, and we know old people are more likely to die than young people. The way to control for that effect is to calculate age-standardised mortality rates that take in to account how many people there are of each age in the population each year.”

Fluctuations in that figure can have an effect on crude death rates, so is of interest to legacy professionals. However, the effect would be that a legacy would be delayed rather than disappear.

“The underlying ageing population bulge is a very big, long-term effect and we expect that to outweigh improvements in health.”

He concluded: “But the crude death rate, the number of people dying each year, is the more important measure for thinking about legacies, and that is on a rising trend. We expect the baby boom to mean that trend continues until the 2050s.” q

• Read the full article at www.legacyfutures.com/latest/making-senseof-death-rates/

Zimbabwe remains a country in crisis. With some of the highest inflation and unemployment rates in the world, Zimbabwe’s economy teeters on the brink of collapse. Coupled with a woefully inadequate healthcare system, the need for ZANE is greater than ever for the most destitute people in Zimbabwe. q

• To find out more about the work of ZANE visit www.zane.uk.com

HELPING ANIMALS IN NEED –BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

[PAWS2RESCUE has a simple mission: to help animals in need, wherever they are. Because the charity is entirely run by volunteers, every penny raised helps them continue this important work. If you'd like to help create a kinder world for all creatures, remembering Paws2Rescue in your will means you’ll be helping to ease the suffering of animals for many years to come.

The charity’s Alison Standbridge said: “Even though we’re based in the UK, we know that so many animals overseas face terrible neglect and cruelty. That’s why, along with finding loving homes for over 7,000 unwanted dogs and cats in the UK, we also run international projects to help reduce animal suffering, especially in places like Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Peru where animals often endure awful conditions.

“Our goal is to ease the daily struggles these animals face by providing food, medical care and shelter. We also support rural shelters that really need help in areas where resources are limited and we’ve built our own sanctuary, to ensure traumatised animals can find peace, and set up our own vet clinics in areas where medical treatment was previously unavailable.”

But unlike charities that simply rehome, their mission is to truly end this suffering. That’s why Paws2Rescue offers free neutering for stray and owned animals, helping to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens and encouraging owners to look after their pets’ health.

To date, the charity has spayed an incredible 18,000 animals. Assuming each animal would have twelve puppies a year, that has prevented well over two million unwanted animals being born since their inception in 2013! So, while being focused on helping animals in need wherever they can right now, their dream is to create a world where there simply are no more unwanted animals.

Alison added: “Education is a big part of our mission. If young people grow up with the same old attitudes that allow cruelty to

continue, nothing will change. Our schools programme helps break this cycle by teaching children to love and respect all living creatures. Plus our veterinary scholarship programme helps young students in Romania by funding their qualification, so more vets are available to work in rural areas where animals need the most care.

“If you choose to leave a gift to Paws2Rescue, no matter how small, you can be sure that every penny will go towards helping dogs, cats and other animals in need, both now and in the future. Thank you.” q

Odin before being rescued – and now in his forever home

WHAT WILL LEGACY GIVING BE LIKE IN 2050?

In March Remember A Charity celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Legacy Festival 2025. One of the sessions at the festival explored the future of legacy fundraising. One participant, Dr Claire Routley, shared some take outs from the session in a blog on the organisation’s website.

[AS PART OF THE DAY, we spent some time thinking about the next 25 years, focusing on the world we might be fundraising within in 2050.

In order to bring that potential future to life, we looked at the contrasting futures of two older people: Ellie and Wren. Wren had inherited wealth which enabled them to live an elite lifestyle, benefiting from the latest longevity technology, personalised healthcare and having their life made smoother and easier by their robot PA.

Ellie, on the other hand, was struggling. Being a teacher with relatively little money to spare, she was still working in her 80s, whilst struggling to keep a sense of community alive in her neighbourhood, where the population – and particularly the number of younger people – was declining.

Lying behind the vision of Wren and Ellie’s futures were three key megatrends or long-term, global shifts that can change societies in a number of ways:

Wealth inequality

Wealth inequality – particularly the growth of inequality within countries, as opposed to between countries – has increased over recent decades. According to the Cyprus Institute of Financial Services, the richest 1% has captured more than a third of additional wealth created since 1995, whilst the bottom half has captured just 2%.

Humanoid robots

Whilst many of us already have a robot vacuum cleaner or lawn mower, the race is on to develop a more general purpose robot that could, for example, clean and tidy our homes. Indeed, more than 100 companies are currently racing to develop a humanoid robot.

Depopulation

According to McKinsey, two-thirds of people live in countries where the fertility rate is below the replacement rate. Countries such as South Korea and Japan are already seeing population declines. This is likely to have consequences not just for the shape of societies, but for healthcare, pensions and even a society’s values.

It's important to note, however, that these are just three trends out of many, and just one potential scenario of how they might combine to shape the future. With so many variables combining in an almost infinite number of ways, the future is ultimately unknowable. As Abraham Lincoln famously said, however, the best way to predict the future is to create it.

But what’s all of this speculation got to do with legacy fundraising specifically?

Firstly, and perhaps more than any other fundraisers, we’re asking our donors to make a gift to the future. The more we’ve explored what that future might be like, the more compelling a vision we can present to our supporters of the future that we would collectively like to see, and that they, collectively, can help to bring about.

Secondly, although we don’t know exactly what the future will be like, we can guarantee that it will be different to today. By exploring different potential futures, we can start to think about how we might need to adapt our legacy fundraising strategies and tactics to meet the needs of our future supporters. q •

RESCUE CENTRE OFFERS A LIFELINE TO

INJURED

WILDLIFE

[HESSILHEAD WILDLIFE RESCUE TRUST is situated near Beith, in North Ayrshire. It was set up as a charity in 1986, although its founders Andy and Gay had been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife since 1970, when they rescued a fox cub from a gamekeeper and his dogs. As the number of casualties increased year on year, Andy and Gay needed financial and practical help.

Once the trust was set up, new aviaries and enclosures were built. A membership scheme proved popular and many volunteers were recruited. The Centre now occupies a 20-acre site, including woodland, marsh and open water, this gives a variety of release sites for its patients.

Approximately 3,500 wildlife casualties are now treated each year, with the aim of returning them to the wild. Among the many hedgehogs, foxes and familiar garden birds, there are deer, otters, badgers and seals. In addition, swans are treated regularly, along with buzzards, peregrines, herons and sea birds.

The centre operates a 24-hour rescue service and there are more than 60 enclosures and aviaries, a hedgehog hospital, a seal/swan unit and intensive care facility. It also offers training courses on the handling, care and treatment of wildlife casualties.

Spring and summer are especially busy, with hundreds of nestling birds being hand reared. Care is taken to rear all youngsters with minimum human contact. That prevents wild birds and mammals becoming too used to people, so giving them a good chance of survival in the wild.

Hessilhead is primarily a voluntary organisation. Its volunteers help in many ways: fundraising, building and maintenance, driving patients to the centre and daily cleaning and feeding. q

THE STORY OF BENJI AND BALU

[ THE WILDHEART ANIMAL SANCTUARY has embarked on its latest bold and ambitious project to rescue two European brown bears from horrendous conditions and a life of suffering in Azerbaijan.

Brothers Benji and Balu are two ‘restaurant bears’ who have only ever known a life of cruelty and misery and will be the first bears on the Isle of Wight for over 30 years.

They were discovered alone in tiny cages in a forest in Azerbaijan, severely malnourished with extensive physical injuries and emotionally scarred.

These beautiful brothers are believed to be approximately 10-12 years old and were likely captured as cubs in the wild following their mother being shot by poachers. As such, they have only ever known a life of misery and confinement. For the first 10 years of their life, they were kept in a tiny cage on the side of a restaurant in Azerbaijan, fed on scraps of inappropriate food from staff and customers and treated as a roadside novelty – a vile curiosity for bored human minds.

Following complaints, they were moved to another tiny concrete and metal cage in a forest – out of sight and out of mind. They chew on the metal bars of their cage continuously through anxiety and boredom in

an attempt to escape their ongoing nightmare. For bears in captivity ‘bar biting’ is depressingly common and leads to severe psychological and physical issues. Tragically, the damage to Balu’s teeth from bar biting was so severe that he had to have two teeth extracted upon recent examination by an international veterinary team.

It is a desperate existence. Silently they await rescue.

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary are driven by a passionate belief that no animal should suffer any form of abuse at the hands of humans. They are renowned for their work rescuing severely abused animals so when they were made aware of the plight of Benji and Balu they created an urgent and bespoke rescue plan to bring them to their forever home on the Isle of Wight.

Historically bears in Europe have been abused in the cruel name of ‘entertainment’, murdered by poachers and exploited for use in alternative medicine.

It is the charity’s mission to bring Benji and Balu to the Isle of Wight and give them an expansive and enriching habitat. To allow them to roam, feel the earth beneath their feet and to enjoy a safe and peaceful life in their sanctuary by the sea. q

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR FUNDRAISERS PUBLISHED

On 28 April the Fundraising Regulator published its new Code of Fundraising Practice, which comes into effect on 1 November. Suzanne McCarthy, chair of the Regulator’s Standards Committee, explained how the new code will provide public protection, accountability and excellence in fundraising – now and into the future.

[ AFTER MORE THAN TWO YEARS of listening, learning and working with the sector and others, we are proud to launch a code that is clearer, more flexible and better suited to modern fundraising.

In September 2022 we began a comprehensive review of the existing code. Since its last major update in 2019 the landscape for charitable fundraising has continued to evolve. Technological developments, societal change and updated legislation all meant that a fresh approach was needed to ensure the code continued to meet its purpose.

Our comprehensive review placed sector engagement at its heart. We conducted a three-stage consultation process, including a call for information and two public consultations. Through this process we received more than 6,000 comments from over 200 fundraising organisations, including representative bodies, members of the public and other regulators. We also hosted a wide range of webinars and in-person events and engaged directly with experts across the UK.

The result is a new code that reflects the expertise and experience of those who use it. We’ve moved to a principles-based approach, which makes it easier to apply the same high standards across different types of fundraising activity. Rather than overly prescriptive rules, the principles empower fundraisers to exercise good judgement in a wide range of scenarios – including new and emerging fundraising methods.

We’ve also worked to make the code simpler to use. It is now 45% shorter than the previous version, with improved signposting to legal requirements and external guidance. That makes it more accessible and easier to navigate, especially for smaller organisations or those new to fundraising.

The new code also includes additional requirements that strengthen protections for fundraisers themselves. Fundraising organisations must now take reasonable steps to protect fundraisers from harm and harassment while fundraising, and ensure that fundraisers feel supported and able to raise concerns.

Innovation has been another guiding principle throughout this work. We know that charities are exploring new ways to engage with donors and raise vital funds. Our aim has been to ensure that the code supports innovation – not restrict it. The updated code can be applied to new technologies and fundraising methods, while maintaining the high standards the public expects.

To support organisations in applying the new code we are also publishing a set of support guides. These cover three key areas: due diligence, documenting fundraising decisions and monitoring fundraising partnerships. These resources are practical tools designed to help fundraising organisations understand how to meet the code’s standards confidently and effectively. Over the coming months we intend to publish further helpful guidance.

While the new code is published today, it does not come into effect until 1 November. We’ve built in a six-month transition period, giving fundraising organisations time to review the new code, update internal policies and processes, train staff and volunteers and seek support if needed.

Over the coming months we’ll continue to support the sector through webinars, events and our Code Advice Service. We want to make sure all organisations feel equipped to apply the new code and use it to strengthen the quality and impact of their fundraising.

On behalf of the Fundraising Regulator I want to thank everyone who contributed to the shaping of the new code. Your insights have helped create a code that will provide an effective regulatory framework now and in the future. q

• To download the new code, and access supporting documents, visit www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code/code-2025

DCMS CONSULTS ON CHARITYS’ FINANCIAL THRESHOLDS

[ THE LAW COMMISSION’S 2017 report Technical Issues in Charity Law recommended that the government periodically review all financial thresholds in the Charities Act 2011, with a view to increasing them in line with inflation. The government accepted the recommendation, and committed to conducting a review at least every 10 years, subject to resources. Charity law aims to proportionately regulate charities of all sizes in order to maintain public trust and confidence in the sector, as well as allowing charities to have flexibility and autonomy in how they are run. Larger charities deal with greater sums of public money; therefore the potential impact of misuse is greater and they are therefore more strictly regulated. Smaller charities often do not have the resources to deal with large administrative costs or burdens.

To maintain that balance for the vast range of charities in the sector, charity law sets out various financial thresholds, which dictate the level of regulation that applies to charities, such as registration, various forms of financial accounts and reports, and independent examination or auditing for those accounts and reports. The financial thresholds that apply in charity

law fall into five broad categories:

• Registration

• Reporting and accounting

• Fundraising

• Other charity regulation thresholds

• Inserted/amended by the Charities Act 2022 Consequently, DCMS is seeking views – in particular from charities and industry experts – on all existing financial thresholds in charity law. This consultation considers the thresholds in the 2011 Act (and related secondary legislation) and those relating to professional fundraising in the Charities Act 1992. Gift Aid thresholds, which are contained in the Income Tax Act 2007 and Corporation Tax Act 2010, are not in scope of this consultation as they are provided under tax law, not charity law.

Reviewing the financial thresholds in charity law ensures that charities continue to be sufficiently transparent and accountable, and ensures that the regulator, the Charity Commission for England and Wales, has appropriate oversight of the sector in order to do its job effectively.

A sufficiently well-regulated sector means the public continue to trust that their donations to charities are being used effectively for the benefit of the public.

The government’s stated growth mission also aims to provide a better regulatory landscape, to help organisations thrive. In January the Chancellor of the Exchequer encouraged regulators to take clear, consistent and balanced actions to drive growth. The regulatory landscape must be proportionate and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on charities where possible, particularly for small organisations.

As time goes by, inflationary increases mean that more small organisations are caught by additional layers of regulation where they were not captured previously.

The consultation applies to the law of England and Wales, as charity law is devolved in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and ends at 23.45 on 12 June.

According to DCMS: “We welcome comments from all stakeholders who may be interested. DCMS is keen to ensure that everyone with a view can be heard. We are particularly interested to hear from charities, charity sector representative bodies, regulatory and accountancy bodies, charity advisers and charity lawyers.” q

• To respond visit www.gov.uk

YOUR GIFT, THEIR FUTURE: CHANGING LIVES BORN WITH CLEFTS

[EVERY DAY IN THE UK, one in 700 babies is born with a cleft lip and palate – the most common birth anomaly.

This condition can profoundly impact a child’s appearance, speech, hearing and dental development, often leaving lasting psychological scars.

In many developing countries, cleft surgeries are delayed – or never happen – leaving children malnourished, struggling to communicate and facing social exclusion.

At CLEFT we dream of a future where clefts are preventable. Until then, we are dedicated to improving lives – both in the UK and around the world.

Support groundbreaking research

By funding pioneering research, we’re uncovering the causes of clefts and developing kinder, more effective treatments for children everywhere.

Expand global cleft care

We work to establish cleft centres in low and middle-income countries, ensuring children there have the same opportunities as those in the UK. q

Every donation brings us closer to transforming countless lives. Leave a legacy of hope and healing.

SUNGUARDING ACTIVE LIVES:

HOW THE MELANOMA FUND IS TACKLING SKIN CANCER

[ SKIN CANCER is the most common cancer in the UK – and most preventable. With around 21,000 new cases diagnosed each year and nearly 3,000 deaths annually, melanoma – the most dangereous form of skin cancer – is fifth.

The Melanoma Fund is a small charity with a big impact – uniquely focused on preventing skin cancer by improving sun safety in sport and the great outdoors.

Founded over a decade ago, they offer free, practical resources that help individuals and organisations reduce risk and raise awareness. Their strength lies in creating targeted, sector-specific educational campaigns and resources that are easy to adopt and deliver real behavioural change.

These include:

• Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code – for those caring for KS2 children

• Slip! Slap! Swing! – for golf, supported by the PGA and many

• others

• Sunguarding Sport – aimed at coaches, clubs and governing

• bodies

• Sunguarding Outdoors – supporting the wider outdoor and leisure

• sector

• Sunguarding Course – educating on UV risks for sports and

• outdoor professionals

The aim is to embed the idea of ‘Sunguarding’ into outdoor environments. The charity works closely with sports clubs, schools, brands, venues and national organisations to increase visibility and make sun protection second nature.

Chief executive officer Michelle Baker explained: “As a small charity, we know collaboration is key. That’s why we work alongside other charities, children’s groups, local authorities and professional bodies to promote consistent, inclusive messaging and reach wider audiences.

“We collaborate with the government to support the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, ensuring sun safety is integrated into their outdoor sessions, helping to create an equal playing field in the fight against skin cancer.

“We receive no government funding and rely on sponsorship and donations to keep our work freely accessible. Our campaigns help schools and employers meet their duty of care, while also improving wellbeing, protecting health and reducing future strain on the NHS.

“As skin cancer rates continue to rise, it’s more important than ever for sun protection to become embedded in everyday life.

“For those who are touched by melanoma, supporting the Melanoma Fund can help ensure our vital work continues to save lives through education, prevention and early detection. A legacy gift, however small, will help us build a safer, sun-aware future for generations to come.

“Through our tireless campaigning, broadcast media presence and strategic collaborations and partnerships with a wide range of organisations, we have reached millions of people across the UK. With your help, we can turn awareness into action, to make skin cancer one less thing future generations fear.” q

• Find out more at www.melanoma-fund.co.uk or email michelle@melanoma-fund.co.uk

HEARTBEAT HORSES HAPPY IN THEIR NEW HOME

[ THE HEARTBEAT HORSES now live in a new home at Sink Farm in Woodbridge, Suffolk and are cared for alongside the wonderful Suffolk Punch horses.

Sink Farm is the colony stud for the Suffolk Punch Trust charity, who continue their important and essential work in preserving this unique breed. q

• For more information on either charity please contact Tracey Pettitt, stud manager or David Clarke, finance director, on 07768 025128. Heartbeat Homes for Horses, Sink Farm, St David’s Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3JR

LEAVE A LEGACY OF LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS

For 140 years Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been there for the dogs and cats who need us.

We give our all to keep loving homes whole with support from our pet food banks. And when that’s not possible, we take in the animals who need us and love them as if they were our own.

One in three animals cared for at the Home are supported by the generosity of legacy gifts.

With the help of these funds, hundreds of dogs, cats and their people have been given an opportunity to form bonds that last a lifetime.

And it doesn’t stop there. Gifts in Wills ensure that this unconditional love and loyal companionship will be carried forward for future generations.

Whether it's the beloved dog who’s been with you through thick and thin, or the cat who greets you with an affectionate headbutt every time you come home, your pets are always there for you.

By leaving a gift in your Will to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, you will always be there for them too.

Head of Fundraising, Gillian MacAulay says: “This support can transform the lives of the hundreds of vulnerable animals who need our help each year – for as long as they need it. By leaving a gift, your love and compassion for animals can live on.”

To find out how to make a lasting contribution, please contact Aiste Klisyte, Legacy Officer at aiste@edch.org.uk or visit edch.org.uk/support-us/gifts-in-wills

[ THE CHARITY COMMISSION has refreshed its guidance on recruiting trustees. Published on 14 May, the guidance redesign comes after the regulator’s research – with think tank and social sector research organisation Pro Bono Economics – revealed that just 6% of trustees applied for their role via an advert. The resultant report indicated that more than half of charities relied on personal contacts to recruit new trustees.

The regulator is encouraging charities to use the guidance to help improve their recruitment and induction practices. The refreshed guidance focuses on practical steps charities can take to connect with a broader range of candidates, and to identify and remove barriers that may put people off applying for the role. The guidance also suggests considering a ‘skills audit’ to test what the charity needs from its trustees.

The refreshed guidance encourages charities to write and keep under review their trustee role description, and to distinguish between what is required and what can be learnt in the role. It highlights ways to reach more candidates, such as posting ads via social media or using organisations that offer trustee-finder services. It signposts a range of free resources to help charities reach as many people as possible, but is clear that charities can also pay for trustee recruitment services.

The regulator has expanded the induction section of its guidance to help charities not only recruit successfully to the role, but also retain new trustees. It encourages charities to discuss with each new trustee what information and learning they need to become an effective trustee, and how to support them with that, setting out a range of approaches.

As the recent research revealed, one in three trustees are asked to join their board by the chair and one in four are asked by another board member. Recruiting within known circles can contribute to identifying good candidates but limits the field, and difficulties can arise when boards have several personal connections. The guidance highlights how having a group of trustees who have the right mix of technical skills, knowledge of the sector the charity works in, community connections and first-hand experiences can create wellrounded boards and promote strong governance at charities.

Mazeda Alam, head of trustee guidance at the Charity Commission, commented: “It is fantastic that so many trustees recommend the role to others, and we know for some it is an essential way to fill vacancies. However, we want our refreshed guidance to get trustees thinking about how they can broaden their reach when recruiting to their board. Small changes like writing your trustee role description differently or re-considering what skills are really essential, could widen the net and land you a valuable, new addition – taking your board from strength to strength.

“Our casework has shown that it can be difficult to instil essential governance processes when there are multiple personal ties on a board. We’re also aware that some charities may not have the minimum number of trustees required by their governing document. We want our guidance to support trustees to avoid these risks and help open up trusteeship to all.” q

• The full guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/government/ publications/finding-new-trustees-cc30/finding-new-trustees

LEGACIES – THE GIFT OF LIFE COMMISSION REFRESHES TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT GUIDANCE

[ANIMAL CHARITY Wild Futures rescues and offers sanctuary to monkeys who have suffered abuse and neglect. They are dedicated to protecting primates and their habitats worldwide – primates are endangered due to climate change, habitat destruction and the bush-meat and pet trades.

For some species, it is too late. The future of all that remains lies in our hands, so leaving a legacy to Wild Futures is the gift of life and a future for primates and our wonderful planet.

Wild Futures’ holistic approach makes them unique – providing sanctuary to rescued

monkeys, supporting projects overseas, campaigning for primate welfare, educating to protect primates worldwide and promoting a sustainability and ethical ethos.

They receive no government funding, so the generosity of those that remember Wild Futures is essential to enable them to continue their work. A legacy can be the gift of a life worth living and a wild and safe future for all. q

• For more information call 01503 262532, email giving@wildfutures.org or visit the webiste at www.wildfutures.org

SMALL NUMBER OF CICs GENERATE DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS

[FUNDRAISING BY A FEW community interest companies (CICs) generated 12% of complaints to the Fundraising Regulator last year, data published on 20 March has revealed.

In the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, 54 out of the 455 complaints the regulator received were about a small number of CICs. Concerns mostly related to negative fundraiser behaviour, pressure to donate, inadequate licences and permissions and misleading fundraising practices.

The new data was published in the Fundraising Regulator’s latest Annual Complaints Report. The report analyses both complaints made to the regulator directly from members of the public and fundraising complaints received by 53 of the UK’s largest fundraising charities.

Misleading information remained the top reason why complaints were made to the regulator, comprising 15% of complaints, with digital fundraising seeing the most complaints about misleading information. The methods most complained about to the regulator remain consistent with previous years, including charity and clothing bags, addressed mail and digital marketing.

The report also shows that door-to-door fundraising continues to receive a high level of complaints, both to the regulator and to the largest fundraising charities. That method makes up 22% of all complaints reported by the sample charities. Door-to-door has been in the top five most complained about fundraising methods to the

A SMALL CHARITY WITH A HUGE HEART

[KIDNEY KIDS SCOTLAND, a very small charity with a huge heart, has for the last 25 years supported Scottish children with renal and urology conditions. The main aim of the charity has always been to enable these children to receive treatment as close to home as possible and minimise disruption to the family unit.

In addition the charity helps hospitals all over Scotland, supplying them with much needed equipment and funding posts recognised as being essential. Chronic Kidney disease is a condition that has no cure and that children and their families must learn to live with.

IMAGINE your child only being able to drink 400mls in one day. That’s less than two cartons of juice – a can of juice is 500mls.

IMAGINE being a parent where you must be home before 8pm every single night to ensure your child gets their daily home dialysis.

IMAGINE not being able to take your family abroad or too far away from the hospital because your child cannot go without their dialysis. This HAS to happen in hospital 3 or 4 times EVERY week.

IMAGINE your child missing out on school education, social activities, family members’ birthday celebrations, a sibling’s sports day or a family wedding because you need to make sure they receive their life saving dialysis treatment.

IMAGINE your child spending their birthday and/or Christmas Day in hospital and not being able to see their friends from week to week. q

IMAGINE LIVING WITH KIDNEY DISEASE

For more information about Kidney Kids Scotland please visit our website at www.kidneykids.org.uk, call 01324 555843 or email office@kidneykids.org.uk

Kidney Kids Scotland can help in many ways

sample charities for the past four years running and has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

After door-to-door, fundraising by addressed mail received the next highest number of complaints to the sample charities, followed by challenge and sponsorship events.

Jenny Williams, chair of the Complaints and Investigations Committee, said: “Our Annual Complaints Report this year shows that the main causes of complaints to both us and to the largest fundraising charities are mostly the same as in previous years, with misleading information a major source of complaints for the regulator.

“Door-to-door fundraising continues to receive a high number of complaints. This matches what we have seen through our research into the public’s perception of different fundraising methods and our market inquiry into face-to-face fundraising, which have showed that door-to-door fundraising remains unpopular. The report highlights the need for those engaged in charitable fundraising to monitor their fundraisers’ behaviour – particularly that subcontracted to agencies –and investigate any complaints made promptly.

“The report also discusses the emergence of a significant number of complaints related to a few CICs. Poor practice by some CICs not only puts the public at risk; it also threatens the reputation of charitable fundraising more generally. We will continue to work with other authorities and regulators to ensure that CICs are aware of and comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice.” q

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF HORSES – WORLDWIDE

[AS ITS 100th anniversary approaches, international charity World Horse Welfare continues to be a committed champion of equine welfare with a focus on strengthening the horse-human relationship.

Its mission is to help all horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, including horses in sport and leisure, horses used for work and production as well as horses in need. Horses like Elouise.

with respect, compassion and understanding. Working with horses, horse owners, communities, organisations and governments they are committed to helping improve welfare standards and stamp out suffering in the UK and worldwide.

Three-year-old Elouise was discovered alone and vulnerable on a fell in Northumberland, severely underweight, suffering from a lice infestation, covered in hundreds of ticks and on the edge of survival. Frightened, extremely ill and alone, the ticks were literally sucking the life from her. She was taken to World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool – one of four centres they have throughout the UK – where staff mobilised everything to give her a chance of life.

It quickly became apparent that the level of neglect that Elouise had suffered had caused liver issues and her malnutrition was so critical that her immune system was weakened to the extent that she was barely hanging on to life. However, thanks to World Horse Welfare reaching her in time, Elouise made a remarkable recovery.

The life-saving care World Horse Welfare gave Elouise transformed her life and this sweet and gentle pony is now thriving, with a lifelong promise of security as part of the World Horse Welfare family.

The charity’s vision is for a world where every horse is treated

The rising costs of caring for horses like Elouise – from emergency veterinary treatment to much-needed nutrition and day-today care – have increased from an average of £5,000 a year to over £7,000. They receive no government support, but depend entirely on voluntary donations to help the 300 horses they rescue each year as well as to fund their global mission advocating for horses worldwide.

Founded in 1927 by Ada Cole (below) as a campaigning organisation to prevent the live export of horses from Britain to slaughter, they remain a leading voice for horses, taking great pride in being realistic, compassionate and forward-thinking.

They are steadfast in their goal to improve the lives of horses in the UK and around the world through care, research, education and influence. They need those who care about animals to join them in that mission. q

• For further information please visit www.worldhorsewelfare.org

Elouise on arrival at the centre (left) and after, fully recovered thanks to the charity

SAVE MONEY – AND THE PLANET: BUY REFURBISHED TECH

[ FOR MANY CHARITIES – particularly small, local charities – a major outlay is for technology. Keeping up with the need to update equipment, whether for security purposes or to keep up with ways of working. Could buying secondhand be the answer?

As Paul Rubens, a contributor to Charity Digital, put it: “Buying new tech equipment for your charity is like pouring money down the drain. That’s because refurbished tech costs your charity far less, while still offering almost all the benefits of buying new.”

So what is refurbished tech? Paul explained: “There is no strict definition of refurbished tech. The tech equipment in question is usually desktop and laptop computers, printers, tablets and smart phones. Often these items are secondhand, but have either been repaired or have had parts that are prone to failure such as batteries and hard drives replaced with new ones. In many cases the outer shells of the product have also been replaced, so that they look brand new.”

There is also a wealth of ‘refurbished’ tech out there that is actually new. “The packaging may have been damaged after sitting in a warehouse for too long,” said Paul, “or the item may simply have been discontinued by the manufacturer. In some cases the item may have been sold, the packaging removed by the buyer, and then returned either unused or after a few hours use. But, in all of these cases, the new goods are repackaged and classified as refurbished.”

Where does this refurbished tech come from?

While in many cases refurbished tech is new, even new tech equipment can sometimes be faulty, so it’s sensible to buy refurbished tech from sellers that accept returns and offer a warranty on their products – just as you would expect if you were buying new tech equipment. That way you are covered if what you receive is not up to the standard that you expected, or if it turns out to be less reliable than you were counting on.

Computers 4 Charity supplies reconditioned computers that are fully tested and upgraded and pass two rounds of quality control to ensure every component is functioning well. Refurbished computers are available specifically to charities and non-profits to buy, with a 10% discount off listed prices.

Computers 4 Charity’s head of refurbishment Jonathan Cook explained: “Whether you're a budget-conscious shopper, an ecowarrior, or simply seeking a reliable computing solution, understanding

CARING FOR CHELONIA

[ THE BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP publishes six newsletters a year containing details of meetings, short articles, news items and veterinary notes. Their journal Testudo is published annually and contains original articles and reviews on all aspects of turtles, terrapins and tortoises – their biology, conservation, welfare, veterinary care and husbandry. The group also organises symposia.

As well as the yearly appeals in aid of specific international causes in chelonia research and survival, the BCG assists other worthy causes in support of its aims with grants. They invite grant applications from organisations and individuals engaged on the work of chelonia conservation – such as zoos, universities, zoologists and students in this country and overseas. q

the key considerations associated with buying a refurbished computer helps to make an informed decision.”

Some manufacturers and large companies also sell refurbished tech equipment directly to charities and the general public. They include Apple Store, Dell Outlet, Amazon Renewed and Amazon Warehouse and EuroPC.

A major supplier of donated tech is Charity Digital Exchange, which provides charitable organisations with access to free and discounted software and hardware offers, digital skills training and courses. Part of Charity Digital, its catalogue includes products and offers from some of the world’s leading technology brands – and it’s completely free to register.

Paul Rubens summed up the arguments: “Buying refurbished tech will enable your charity to save significant amounts, without having to sacrifice reliability. Or, put another way; by opting for refurbished tech your charity can acquire more equipment for any given budget, ensuring that more staff, volunteers and beneficiaries have access to the tools they need for your charity to carry out its work. When combined with low-cost software, your charity can make really major savings on its IT systems.

“Buying refurbished tech is also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces the amount of electronic waste that has to be discarded and saves on energy usage that would otherwise have taken place during the manufacturing of new items, and their transportation to market.” q

FAIRNESS IN THE FAMILY COURT MAY HELP REDUCE CHILD

SUICIDE RISK, CHARITY FOUNDER BELIEVES

[

PROMOTING AND ASSISTING in access to justice in the Family Court is the aim of Parenting Together, a charity set up by former youth worker Gerry Hannah.

Gerry points out suicide is the most common cause of death among young people – often prompted by the depression caused by family break-up. He believes that in many cases the break-up of the family is avoidable if parents are able to present their version of events.

Said Gerry: “British Family Courts sit in private and they convict parents merely on the ‘balance of probability’. In some cases a judge is persuaded to make a misinformed decision based on race, gender, heritage, beliefs and social status – often causing serious depression which can have lethal consequences.”

Gerry formed his association with humanitarian experts and professionals to ensure low-income, disadvantaged parents involved with social services or Family Court proceedings receive fair and equal justice.

He added: “We mostly provide specialist legal services, advocacy and reports for disadvantaged parents in Family Court proceedings. Our experts, professionals and associate solicitors often work pro bono to help us resolve exploitation and unlawful abuse of the family

law and child protection systems. We framed our projects on the government’s Every Child Matters report, published in 2003, that recommended engaging families in the care and protection of children.”

He points to cases of parents with learning difficulties asking people on social media for advice when they cannot understand the legalese, acronyms and procedures.

“They are usually misguided, posting views and comments that go against them in court. Their social media ‘friends’ are often predators who exploit single parents with young children. We recently submitted evidence to the CPS against a few of these sexual predators targeting our vulnerable parents and their children.”

The current project is a continuation of Honeypot Families, a work-in-progress study comparing families in the safest happiest regions of the UK with families in what Gerry describes as ‘the most dangerous city in Europe’.

“We concluded that Judeo-Christian families functioned efficiently to provide the best outcomes for everyone because they are based on a mutually agreed contract where adults vow to love, care and respect each other until death.” q

NEW CODE OF PRACTICE GUIDES CHARITIES THROUGH THE DIGITAL MAZE

[

CHARITY DIGITAL has officially launched its updated 2025 Charity Digital Code of Practice. The trusted tool has helped UK charities boost digital sustainability, efficiency and decision-making. The 2025 edition brings fresh insights for today’s evolving sector needs.

The Charity Digital Code of Practice addresses the digital skills gap in charities. The first iteration, launched in 2018, proved immediately useful – as charity leaders navigated the challenges of the pandemic, such as the shifts to remote working and the move to digital service delivery.

Digital has accelerated faster than ever in the years since then. We’ve seen a shift towards the cloud, an embrace of blockchain and cryptocurrency, the rise and fall of NFTs, new challenges in cyber security and much more. Social media platforms have grown hostile and misinformation runs wild. And the rapid growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has changed just about everything.

So Charity Digital has updated its Code of Practice. Charities should use the code to benchmark progress in digital, to support sustainability and to inform key digital decisions. Charity Digital has developed two versions: one for small charities – those with an annual income of £1m or under – and one for large charities with an income of more than £1m.

The 2025 update keeps the code relevant by:

• Defining different types of AI

• Integrating AI across all principles

• Adding a new data principle

• Providing fresh guidance on procurement and cyber security

• Enhancing the glossary and advice on accessibility and inclusion

The code now includes eight key principles: Leadership, User led, Culture, Strategy, Data, Skills, Risk and Adaptability. Each one comes with best practice guidance to support informed digital choices.

There are also helpful resources like guides, summaries, AI tools and expert commentary to help make the most of the code.

Charity Digital’s head of content Ioan Marc Jones explained how they set about reshaping the code: “The 2025 code was built from the success of the 2018 code. Not only did we carry the lessons of the previous code forward, but we used the code as a foundational document: something to alter, change and mould to make it fitfor-purpose. So, the funders of the initial development, the Co-Op Foundation and Lloyds Banking Group, helped us make the 2025 code possible.

“But we needed new support with the 2025 code. We found fantastic partners who understood our vision for an updated and improved code, who contributed to make that vision a reality. All the work we did to update the code – and there was a lot – was made possible by The Clothworkers’ Company, the WCIT Charity, and Resource for London.” Both versions of the code are available to download at the website charitydigital.org.uk q

CREATE A LASTING IMPACT FOR GREECE’S ANIMALS

[FOR OVER 60 YEARS, Animal Action Greece has been a lifeline for thousands of animals across the country. Every day, we rescue, treat and protect Greece’s most vulnerable animals, including street cats struggling to survive, abandoned dogs, and working donkeys, mules, and horses suffering from neglect and overwork.

Many animals, like Dorothèa the donkey (pictured above), face unimaginable challenges.

Dorothèa, whose name in Greek means ‘gift from God’, has been through more than most of us can imagine. This resilient donkey once worked tirelessly transporting tourists in a gorge. But when she was no longer wanted, she was handed off to a hoarder, where she suffered neglect and maltreatment. Later, she was used and then abandoned by an American film crew after filming a movie.

Her journey has been incredibly tough, but we are happy to share that Dorothèa was rescued and now lives in a donkey sanctuary in Crete, where she is finally safe and able to live out the rest of her days.

But our work is never done. The challenges animals face don’t disappear overnight, and without support, many will continue to suffer.

That’s why leaving a gift in your will is one of the most powerful ways to ensure that our vital work carries on long into the future.

By choosing to leave a legacy, you can help us:

• Provide urgent veterinary care to stray animals who have no one

• else to turn to.

• Support community neutering programmes, preventing thousands

• of unwanted kittens and puppies from being born into hardship on

• the streets.

• Ensure that donkeys, horses and mules receive the farriery, dental

• and veterinary care they need to live free from pain.

• Respond to emergencies, offering lifesaving treatment and shelter

• to animals affected by disasters such as floods and forest fires.

Every gift, no matter the size, has the power to change lives.

Your kindness today can shape a better tomorrow – one where no animal is left to suffer alone.

Will you help us create a future where every animal gets the care they deserve? Please contact us via the details below to find out more. q

LEARN HOW TO IMPROVE DIVERSITY AMONG YOUR VOLUNTEERS

[

IN 2024, 5.6 million people volunteered in the UK, but that was 1.5 million fewer than in 2023, according to the 2025 UK Giving Report

To stop volunteering numbers falling further in 2025, charities must remove barriers and put inclusion at the heart of their programmes. With women stepping back at nearly twice the rate of men, it is vital to meet the needs of all volunteers.

To support charities in that, volunteer management experts Rosterfy have developed a practical white paper, Inclusive volunteering: How technology and data strengthen diversity

The white paper explores:

• Key diversity metrics your charity should track

• How to identify and remove organisational

• barriers

• How volunteer management software can

• simplify the approach to inclusion

The White Paper investigates who is missing from volunteering – and why?

With a decline in diversity among UK volunteer groups, putting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the spotlight, the report examines underrepresented communities and the challenges they face. Understanding the obstacles potential volunteers face is key. Learn how to apply inclusive strategies that open doors for everyone.

The document also looks at the role of technology in strengthening diversity.

Organisations that track and share inclusivity data are better equipped to engage diverse volunteers and build stronger connections with their communities.

Collecting DEI data is a starting point: turning insights into action is what makes a difference.

The White Paper provides a five-step guide to remove barriers, improve engagement and build a more inclusive volunteer programme.

In its introduction the authors state: “Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to building stronger, more representative volunteer

programmes. When volunteering is truly inclusive it reflects the communities it serves, removes barriers to participation, and creates meaningful opportunities for all.

“Fostering DEI is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Inclusive programmes bring a wide range of perspectives, skills and experiences, leading to more innovative teams and stronger community connections. Many organisations struggle to measure and improve DEI within their volunteer programmes. Without clear data, it’s difficult to understand who is engaging, who isn’t, and why.

“Funders, stakeholders and the public increasingly expect organisations to track and report on DEI efforts – but without the right tools, this can be a challenge. This White Paper provides practical guidance on:

• Overcoming barriers to volunteer participation

• Key diversity metrics organisations should

• track

• DEI principles and the role of technology in

• volunteer programmes

“By leveraging the right data, technology and strategies, organisations can build volunteer programmes that are diverse, inclusive and more impactful.”

To access Inclusive volunteering: How technology and data strengthen diversity and other Rosterfy White Papers, visit www.rosterfy. com/white-papers q

WHERE WE’VE BEEN, WHERE WE

ARE AND WHERE WE NEED TO GO

[ IN THE BEGINNING, The Fox Project operated from a garden shed where, if they were hard pressed, two or three fox cubs might be under their care. Fast forward 34 years and you find them spread over multiple sites with an annual rescue total of over 1,400 foxes.

Currently, the operation revolves around a hospital unit in Paddock Wood near Tunbridge Wells in Kent and a cub unit at nearby Pembury – both rented – plus around 20 home foster units run by volunteers. The system works well, but capacity is reaching its limit and building their own hospital would allow the charity to bring together the main units with a small office, overnight staff quarters, storage space and a workshop.

While the hospital project is vital to their future, and to the futures of countless sick and injured foxes and orphaned cubs, they have no illusions that some of them will have more grey hair at the end than they started out with! Just finding a place to call home will be the first hurdle. Affording it will be the next.

Although the proceeds of a couple of significant legacies have been ring fenced for the purpose, the charity find themselves competing for land that keeps rising in value – and against housing developers and property investors who, inevitably, have more funds and resources available than they do.

Your legacy could help swing the odds in their favour and guarantee The Fox Project and its many patients a secure future. q

SENDING OUT AN SOS FOR THE OWLS

[ESTABLISHED IN 2001, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary – known, appropriately, as S.O.S. – operates a comprehensive facility for the rescue, care and rehabilitation of owls across East Anglia. It also promotes the need for the conservation of endangered owl species throughout the UK with its Saving Britain's Owls initiative.

The S.O.S. owl and raptor hospital at Stonham Aspal is unique in the region. It is specially equipped for the care and treatment of the many injured wild owls and other birds of prey it receives every year as a result of road traffic accidents, mishaps, starvation, trauma, disease, poisoning and sometimes even shooting or trapping.

Many of the birds can be given a recuperative, short-term pick-me-up before being re-released into the wild. Those that are more seriously injured but stand a chance of recovery are given medical aid and/or surgery, as determined by their vet. The birds are then allowed space and time to fully recuperate in one of the secluded recovery aviaries, before being carefully returned to the wild.

S.O.S. operates a wild owl nest box scheme that includes building, locating, curating, and repairing environmentally friendly nest boxes in appropriate locations to replace the gradual erosion of natural nesting sites.

S.O.S. is funded purely by donations and as a small charity, the legacies it receives play an important role in enabling it to sustain the resources needed to actively promote the conservation of owls and other birds of prey throughout the UK. q

SMALL CHARITIES TO GET TIMELY CASH BOOST

[NEARLY 200 SMALL CHARITIES across the UK will take part in a new match funding campaign during Small Charity Week in June. The campaign will double public donations and help strengthen small organisations working at the heart of their communities.

NCVO, Big Give and Global’s Make Some Noise are taking part in the match funding campaign, which will run from 23-30 June. It aims to raise the profile of small charities and strengthen their long-term resilience.

The partnership aims to raise the profile of small charities and help them continue delivering vital services in communities across the UK.

Record demand shows urgent need

The campaign received 846 applications: the highest number for any themed Big Give campaign since 2021. Of those, 194 small charities were selected. A total of £900,000 in match funding has been pledged by numerous funders, including players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Most of the selected organisations (73%) have an income of under £500,000.

Because of the high number of applications, not every charity could be supported. Only 23% of applicants were successful, which is much lower than the usual 70-80% seen in

previous Big Give campaigns. That shows just how many small charities are looking for support right now. The demand is growing, and resources are stretched.

Sarah Elliott, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: "Small charities are facing a triple threat of rising demand, soaring costs and falling resources, but they continue to step up. Through this campaign, we’re equipping them with the tools, funding and visibility they need to help communities and people thrive."

More than just funding

The campaign will offer practical support,

HELP CHANGE LIVES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

[OVER TWO MILLION

PEOPLE in the UK are living with sight loss – and that number is expected to double by 2050. A diagnosis of sight loss is lifechanging, not just for the individual, but for their families too.

The Partially Sighted Society understands the challenges that come with sight loss – because they’ve been supporting people through them for over 50 years.

As a national charity, they provide specialist services that make a real difference every day. From custom-designed school exercise books for children to low vision assessments, assistive equipment and emotional support, their goal is simple: to help those affected by sight loss live as independently and fully as possible.

They also offer a range of social activities and support groups to combat the loneliness and isolation that often accompany sight loss – because no one should face it alone.

By leaving a gift in your will, you can help ensure that no one has to navigate sight loss without the support they need. Your legacy could bring hope, dignity and independence to thousands of people for years to come. Even a small gift can make a powerful difference. Please consider remembering The Partially Sighted Society in your will – and help them continue transforming lives, long into the future. q

training and visibility. The extra help is designed to strengthen long-term resilience and help charities to keep meeting the needs of their communities.

The selected charities are based across every region of the UK, with 78% of projects located outside London. They are delivering support in four key areas: shelter and safety, physical and mental health, isolation and loneliness, and life skills and opportunities.

James Reed CBE, chair of the trustees at Big Give, said: "Small charities are the beating heart of our communities. They are nimble, responsive and deeply trusted. Through this campaign, we’re proud to put them centre stage. Match funding is a powerful tool that doubles the impact of public donations and builds long-term sustainability for charities doing vital work across the UK."

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, director of Global Goodness at Global’s Make Some Noise, added: “Through our work supporting small and local charities over the past 11 years we know the incredible power of these organisations to change lives. Thanks to this partnership, and the generosity of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and our wider community of supporters, we’ll be able to reach even more people with vital support and amplify the voices of small charities.” q

IF YOU WILL, WE WILL

[LEGACIES MEAN SO much to the team at Last Chance Animal Rescue. These wonderful gifts have helped them to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home so many abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits and guinea pigs who otherwise would have had no future.

The charity understand the wishes of its kind benefactors who have considered them in their Wills. A spokesperson said: “We know they want their generous gift to us to be used directly to save lives, provide the very best of care and to find loving homes.

“Legacies really do provide the gift of life and Last Chance Animal Rescue can now, after much planning and prudent use of funds, offer our life saving services to so many more needy pets. We are delighted to announce we now have a second rescue and rehoming centre in Kent, giving hope and a true last chance to so many.

“Sadly we cannot thank those who have enabled this wonderful achievement but are extremely grateful to all those who are currently considering helping us now and in the future to continue our work.” q Pixie

FEWER PEOPLE ARE GIVING MORE, CAF REPORT FINDS

[ AGAINST THE BACKDROP of continued financial uncertainty, the UK public donated an estimated £15.4bn last year to support charities, according to the annual UK Giving Report from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). That was up from £13.9bn last year.

However, the number of people donating, volunteering or sponsoring someone for charity has fallen to the lowest levels recorded since CAF began its research in 2016. CAF’s longrunning UK Giving Report explores the trends of the giving landscape for the whole of 2024, using survey data from more than 13,000 people.

Charities are now relying on donations from only half of the people who said they donated money in the previous 12 months. That has declined from 58% in 2019: equivalent to around four million fewer donors. Additionally, only a fifth (21%) of people said they sponsored someone for charity in the past year, declining from 32% in 2019. That equates to around six million fewer people sponsoring someone for charity in the last five years.

While fewer people are giving, there is a continuing trend that those who do give are donating larger amounts – an average of £72 per month. This year donors were prompted to recall more of their donations, including collection buckets or rounding up at the checkout, which is likely to have resulted in an uplift in the average donation amount.

The downward trend is evident across all age groups but is especially pronounced among young people. Just over a third (36%) of 16-24-year-olds say they donated or sponsored in the past 12 months, compared to 52% in 2019.

Furthermore, the research also reveals a significant reduction in the number of people volunteering for charity. One in 10 people said they volunteered for a charity in 2024. That is equivalent to around 5.6 million adults, falling from the estimated 7.1 million recorded the previous year.

CAF’s UK Giving Report also explores how much is given to each cause, with health charities such as hospices and medical research receiving the most: an estimated £2.22bn from the public. The most popular way to donate to charity is through direct debit or standing order, which is used by an average of 47% of people donating or sponsoring in any given month – around 8.2 million people. However, cash remains the second most popular method for donations. More than a third (36%) of donors used cash to donate or sponsor in any given month – equating to around 6.4 million people.

Neil Heslop OBE, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “The act of giving builds connection between people and places, brings us together and helps us to understand each other more – which has never been more essential. The very significant

RE-HOMING IS THEIR MISSION

[THE MISSION of Three Counties Dog Rescue is to accept, care for and find homes for unwanted, lost and stray dogs and cats and to ensure their wellbeing afterwards. The charity was founded in 1971 and since then they have improved the lives of over 7,800 dogs and cats.

Before rehoming, all animals are vet checked, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and kept in suitable conditions. Rehabilitation costs are a major part of the charity’s annual expenditure of over £200,000.

Healthy animals are never put down. As part of that non-destruction policy, several elderly dogs are kept in long term foster care. However, this means that the charity can incur large veterinary costs to maintain a dog’s health while they await a new permanent home. They now provide boarding and cremation services with profits supporting the Rescue.

Every penny raised goes to improving the lives of dogs and cats. Three Counties Dog Rescue is run entirely by voluntary and unpaid helpers, who also meet their own expenses. q

amount donated by the public to charities and good causes last year reflects every day generosity, in every place, in the UK.

“But this research starkly demonstrates that we need to do much more to build our culture of giving. We are relying on an eversmaller group of people to give while the challenging economic environment continues to place significant strain on charities.

“To renew our culture of giving across the UK, the government should deliver a national strategy for philanthropy and charitable giving, to support charities to deliver their life-changing work. Revitalising our culture of giving will help to build a more connected, more generous and more resilient society for all of us in the future.” q

GENEROSITY DOES NOT ALWAYS ACCOMPANY

WEALTH, RESEARCH FINDS

[ RECENT RESEARCH from CAF shows that some of the UK’s most affluent areas donate the lowest proportion of their disposable income to charity. The UK Local Giving Report explores the regional trends in different Parliamentary constituencies and places throughout the country. The data shows disparity in charitable contributions: suggesting that generosity does not always correlate with wealth.

On average, people give 1.1% of their income to charity. Despite contributing an estimated £49m to good causes, Kensington and Bayswater residents donate approximately 0.5% of their disposable income. By contrast, Sheffield Hallam is the most generous constituency, with residents donating an estimated £28.4m: 1.9% of their disposable income.

Suburbs of major cities outside London make up most of the UK’s most generous areas, with all the least generous areas located in the capital.

Least generous constituencies by proportion of income were Kensington and Bayswater (0.5%), Chelsea and Fulham (0.6%), Holborn and St Pancras (0.6%), Battersea (0.7%) and Tooting (0.7%).

By contrast, the most generous constituencies by proportion of income were Sheffield Hallam (1.9%), Sutton Coldfield (1.9%), Wirral West (1.6%), Manchester Withington (1.6%) and Sefton Central (1.6%). q

CHARITY AWARDS SHORTLIST REVEALED

[A VACCINATION PROGRAMME to eliminate rabies in Kabul, the enrolment of thousands of schoolchildren in music ensembles in Birmingham and a campaign to help people feel more comfortable talking about death and dying with their loved ones are among 30 inspiring projects that have been shortlisted for the Charity Awards 2025.

Celebrating 25 years this year, the Charity Awards –organised by Civil Society Media – are the longest-running awards in the charity sector.

This year’s shortlisted charities have been judged by an independent panel of charity leaders as having demonstrated outstanding best practice in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn. The 10 category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on 3 July, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

costs, shrinking donations and ever-increasing demand for its work, it is reassuring and inspiring to see the extent and quality of charitable activity that is still going on across the country.

The evening will be hosted by BBC news presenter Asad Ahmad, who will be joined on the night by a host of celebrities, representatives of the shortlisted charities and leaders from Britain’s best-known and bestregarded charities.

The categories in contention are: Animals & the environment; Arts, culture & heritage; Campaigning & advocacy; Children & youth; Disability; Education & training; Grantmaking & funding; Healthcare & medical research; International aid & development; and Social care, advice & support.

Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media, congratulated all the shortlisted charities on making the highly-coveted shortlist.

“For a quarter of a century now the Charity Awards has been showcasing and celebrating the terrific work of UK charities large and small,” he said. “At a time when the sector is struggling with higher

“We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the charities on this year’s shortlist; we know that times are tough and you should all be very proud of getting this far.”

Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive of CCLA, overall partner of the Charity Awards, added: “Every year the Charity Awards serve as a moment for the sector to reflect and acknowledge the transformative power of compassion, determination and resilience.

“The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change.

“We’re thrilled to return in 2025, celebrating the outstanding endeavours of another 30 charities. We wish all the shortlisted charities the very best of luck.” q

• See more at www.civilsociety.co.uk

The range of charities which depend on legacies to carry out their valuable work is a broad one. Those that are represented in this publication are listed below, grouped according to the area of activity in which they operate.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Friends of the Animals 4/5

Tiggywinkles 8

Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society 8

Ferne Animal Sanctuary 9

Hope Rescue 12

The Horse Rescue Fund 12

Catholic Concern for Animals 13

Paws2Rescue 16

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue 17

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary 18

WECare Worldwide 19

Shire Horse Society 19

Heartbeat Home for Horses 22

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home 22

Wild Futures 23

World Horse Welfare 26

British Chelonia Group 27

Animal Action Greece 30

The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund 31

The Fox Project 32/33

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary 34

Beneath the Wood Sanctuary 34

Last Chance Animal Rescue 36

The Retreat Animal Rescue 36

Three Counties Dog Rescue 37

OVERSEAS AID

ZANE: Zimbabwe A National Emergency 15

MEDICAL RESEARCH

Prostate Cancer Research 1

Cancer Prevention Research Trust 2

Pain Relief Foundation 2

Heart Research UK 10

CLEFT 20

Sight Research UK 24

Brain Research UK 29

Hospice Aid UK 29

The British Association for Cancer Research 38

Replacing Animal Research 40

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

Hypo Hounds 7

Kidney Kids Scotland 25

Parenting Together 28

HEALTH & DISABILITY

Alcohol Change UK 6

National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom 11

Nerve Tumours UK 14

The Melanoma Fund 21

The Partially Sighted Society 35