Regular Giving Grows for Third Consecutive Year in U.K., Fundraising Report Finds

PRESS RELEASE (May 9, 2011) — The annual benchmarking report for charity Direct Debit donations, released today by Rapidata - the leading Bacs approved bureau for the processing of direct debits – presents positive growth in regular giving for the third consecutive year. Although the UK has avoided ‘double dip’ recession the latest economic reports have shown smaller growth than hoped. Despite this, charitable regular giving is proving robust with a positive growth trend that demonstrates the resilience of the charity sector that can only encourage fundraising confidence (see executive summary below).

Rapidata’s Charity Direct Debit Tracking Report 2011 reveals volume, total income and average gift figures increased significantly on last year and the continued fall in Direct Debit donation cancellations, the lowest rate recorded since 2007, sees the Direct Debit Cancellation Cycle back in line with pre-recession levels and appearing to be stable. Rapidata’s benchmark research is also supported this year by wider sector analysis provided by Bacs – the not-for-profit organisation responsible for the UK’s Direct Debit payment clearing scheme.

In a new section, the report shows how online regular giving is popular with consumers and growing fast, up 36% year on year, with 83% of donations taking up Gift Aid making an average gift of £11.39.

In addition, Rapidata’s research reveals how charities could be losing income unnecessarily by failing to efficiently record and manage unpaid Direct Debits. This year’s report provides undeniable proof that charities can save potentially thousands of pounds every month by re-presenting unpaid Direct Debits that are returned as ‘Refer to Payer.’

Scott Gray, Managing Director of Rapidata Services Plc says of the new information:
“The new statistics are truly encouraging but should not be taken lightly; it’s no time to rest on our laurels. I hope charities will be able to use the insight we are providing for planning future strategies.