How does a charity deal with the challenge of translating an unprecedented amount of one-off donations into the long-term support needed to make a lasting difference in the lives of beneficiaries?

Individual giving is the largest source of fundraising income for charities. It is extremely important that small charities, who often have limited or non-existent budgets, can compete with larger ones for individual giving funds.

This week's blog explores the psychology behind charitable giving, inspired by a recent BBC podcast.

This report aims to provide information about public views on ideal charity spending, the importance of CEO pay in the public eye as well as the public’s perceptions about which activities count as ‘charitable’.

There are three main conclusions:

The UK Giving report from CAF was released last month and in the sector press again.

At nfpSynergy we’ve spoken a lot about negative media coverage of charities over the last year, with a particular focus on fundraising practices.

This coverage, combined with the looming Fundraising Preference Service, has created a precarious atmosphere for charity fundraisers. More than ever fundraisers give careful consideration to how they approach people in order to maintain positive relationships without alienating potential supporters.

In the light of the Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) working group consultation, here are some questions that still remain.

Process and practicalities

Leading charity Law firm Stone King have been spearheading a debate as to what trustees should be considering when assessing how to fundraise.

There are proposals for a new Regulator in the light of inappropriate fund raising tactics, but before that is formally set up, charities are already having to balance their fiduciary duties against pressures to amend their practices.

At nfpSynergy we have been very interested in the effect of the new fundraising regulation on charities.

Our research shows it is likely to be popular with the public, but every conversation we have had with charities shows a deep level of concern about the impact of the Fundraising Preference Service.

One aspect of the new regulation about which there has been little discussion is the legal dimension. Our understanding is that trustees have to make decisions that are first and foremost good for the charity they are trustees of: their fiduciary duty.

The charity sector in Ireland has had a hard time of it lately.

The recent economic crisis at home has seen growing pressure on domestic charities’ services and the threat of people turning away from overseas charities. Controversies and scandals in the charity sector have also had a huge impact on public attitudes towards Irish charities, with many feeling that they can no longer trust the sector.