The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is to launch a National Giving Week with the aim of increasing all levels of charitable giving in the UK.

The first of its kind, the event will highlight the important work of charities, in particular stressing the benefits of planned donations through schemes such as payroll giving. It is hoped that people and businesses will be motivated into making regular, tax-efficient contributions and that fundraisers will work towards converting their donors into effective givers.

John Thurley, head of National Giving Week, said: “As a nation, we give less than 1 per cent of GDP to charity and yet charities’ work is absolutely crucial in areas such as health, social services, the environment, arts, education and international development. By launching National Giving Week, we want to focus attention on the valuable work of charities and the benefits of planned, effective giving.”

National Giving Week takes place from 18-24 October and will include events and promotions as well as a programme of national and regional research into people’s attitudes to charity and their giving habits. A Giving Guide will be available for donors, and from September interested parties will also be able to log onto a microsite that will offer relevant toolkits, advice and news.

For more information call CAF on 01732 520 121.