The Giving Campaign has challenged the UK public to double the levels of charitable giving over the next 10 years.

The call is made in a Blueprint for Giving, a new publication encouraging individuals and organisations across the country to continue to celebrate giving by providing a series of targeted initiatives recommending various activities, such as the further promotion of tax relief and the wider availability of positive news, information and advice.

"The UK public gives £7 billion to good causes each year, but with over 18,000 charities and an average donation of only £13, this could be so much higher. " says Amanda Delew, director of the Giving Campaign. "But the onus doesn’t only lie with charities and their donors. Business, the Government, financial service professionals and the media all have a role to play in making a real difference to giving in the UK."

The Giving Campaign closes on 30 June 2004, but many of its projects will be continued by relevant organisations most closely suited to the work. To download a copy of the Blueprint for Giving or for more information visit www.givingcampaign.org.uk