Online fundraising increased 1,000% amid the Covid-19 crisis, according to research into donations made via crowdfunding platform JustGiving.

Between January and July the average amount raised by crowdfunding campaigns to the platform was up by 1,006% compared to 2019.

The average number of supporters for each campaign is also up year-on-year, by 769% over the same period.

When lockdown was at its peak between March and May the average amount per individual donation increased by 32.6% on the same period in 2019, when campaigns raised on average £5,691.56 each

For the research more than 33,500 online fundraising campaigns from Just Giving were analysed between October 2017 and July this year. This looked at campaign launch and close dates, targets, supporters and final amount raised.

“While the Covid-19 lockdown has presented a wide array of financial challenges to individuals and businesses alike, it is positive to see how the global camaraderie created by the shared experience has translated into increased generosity when it comes to supporting causes we believe in.” said Nigel Frith, senior financial analyst at Ask Traders, which carried out the research.

“We wanted to look at crowdfunders specifically rather than fundraisers where the majority of all proceedings go to charity, in order to give us a broader view of donations as crowdfunders can both be for-profit and not-for-profit.

“The data reveals that 2020 could be well on track to be the most fruitful year for crowdfunders if the momentum in people donating continues.”

JustGiving is one of a number of online fundraising platforms profiled by Charity Times earlier this month. This also looked at the online fundraising opportunities from platforms including CAFDonate and Total Giving among others.

While online fundraising has increased markedly during the Covid-19 crisis, further research has found that many charity leaders still lack the skills needed to ensure their organisation can adapt to challenges presented by the crisis.

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