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The BBC reported yesterday that UK charities are feeling the effects of the economic downturn, with donations being down on last year and charitable organisations making cutbacks to conserve existing services. The survey, run by the Charity Commission questioned 1,003 charities in England and Wales showed that over 50% said they had been affected by the economic downturn.

This news comes a couple of days after the 2009 Red Nose Day raised £59,187,065 (at time of publishing) breaking this year’s target of £40 million.

This raises the question –

Are people really giving less to charity?

According to the BBC, Oxfam had seen donations plateau and had been forced to cut jobs as a result. The BBC also reports that the NSPCC has launched an emergency appeal as cases of domestic violence have risen whilst its direct debit payments have dropped by 15%. Shelter has seen a reduction in legacy donations and corporate income, although their regular donors are still giving money.

The huge success of Red Nose Day indicates however that people are still willing to donate money to charity. Perhaps as disposable incomes have decreased, we have become more selective in the causes we give cash to. It is sometimes to easy to forget that charities are not-for-profit organisations and rely on donations from the public to help people who have no-one else to turn to. The NSPCC Child’s Voice Appeal TV advert was launched in February 2009, help the charity ensure that no child’s cry goes unheard, please click here for more information or to donate money.