Cost-of-giving crisis threatening charities

CHARITY donations are drying up as people are forced to tighten their belts in the cost-of-living crisis.

The shortfall could force some good causes to close after their income halved.

It comes as figures showed real disposable income has fallen for four quarters in a row for the first time since records began, amid soaring inflation.

The Office for National Statistics said real household disposable income dropped 0.2 per cent between January and March as income growth of 1.5 per cent was outstripped by inflation of 1.7 per cent.

Rachel Hayward is chairman of Derby-based Annabel’s Angels, which provides support for patients, carers and families living with cancer.

She said: “Donations have dropped massively. We rely on them to provide a small amount of financial aid to people undergoing cancer treatment.

“We saw a doubling of requests for help last year but the public is finding it hard to donate as their own costs are rising sharply.

“Without the intervention of external bodies and the Government to provide much needed funds, like many small charities, I fear for our future.”

Marie Peacock, CEO of Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, described the cost-of-giving crisis as hitting much harder than the pandemic. She added: “There has been a huge drop in donations since the start of the year, not just in money but in donations of items.

“At the same time, we have seen a 95 per cent rise in requests for our patient grants as people with a brain tumour diagnosis find themselves in a serious financial crisis.

“As a charity, we can’t keep up with the demand when our income is 61 per cent down.”

Marie added: “The Government needs to step in to support charities so we can all get through the tough year ahead together. If something isn’t done soon the future does not look very positive.”

Maria Hanson MBE, founder of Derby-based charity me&dee, which offers support to families and children facing life-changing and limiting circumstances, said: “Donations, like the economy, are grinding to a halt.

“This is our only set income, and therefore a massive concern. Applications have doubled and we do not have double the resources.”

Jane Green, chairwoman at disability charity SEDS in Horsham, Sussex, said: “The funds we provide are drying up as people are finding it increasingly difficult to donate.

“For charities it’s an extremely concerning time.”