More than one in three wealthy donors say they hesitate to give more to good causes due to a “lack of confidence in understanding how charities operate”.

Also, more than one in four say a barrier to giving is “difficulty accessing clear information about impact”, while one in four say they feel “overwhelmed” by the complexity of the charity sector.

The findings have emerged in a report by Barclays Private Bank into giving by high-net-worth individuals.

It found that wealthy donors “are more likely to make significant contributions to charities that demonstrate a deep understanding of the issues and have clear information about their goals, approach and impact”.

This is cited as more important than wealthy donors' personal connection to a good cause, which is another key factor in their giving.

Young wealthy donors are particularly influenced by a charity’s ability to show measurable results and to be transparent before committing to giving large gifts. This is important to more than two in five 18-34 wealthy donors, compared to three in ten aged over 35.

According to Barclays’ report, health, environment and social justice attract the most support among wealthy donors.

Four in five give to health and social welfare, three in four give to climate change and environmental good causes, while seven in 10 are backing development and social justice charities.

“These areas consistently receive the broadest support,” states the report, which adds that donor supported four different good causes over the last year on average, compared to three in 2019.

“Those with higher wealth or income tend to support even more causes, including emerging or underfunded areas, reflecting a broadening of philanthropic interests,” the report adds.

The median annual donation among wealth donors has increased from £5,500 in 2019 to £12,000 in 2025, which has outpaced inflation.

Milestones for giving

Another finding from the report is that more than half of wealthy donors began making sizeable gifts before they reached the milestone of reaching £1m in investible assets.

This milestone is also where donors “start giving at a larger scale”, found Barclays.

Also, wealth donors are increasingly structuring to maximise the effectiveness of their giving, with a third setting up a charitable trust, including leaving a charitable gift in their will.

Separate analysis published this week by Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford found that the “optimal wealth band for legacy giving” is estates worth between £1-3m.

Compared to 2019 “giving today is more intentional, better informed and increasingly collaborative” among wealth donors, said Barclays.

They “are asking more of themselves and others, seeking trust, clarity of impact and meaningful ways to engage with complex societal and environmental challenges.”

Barclays added: “Philanthropy is no longer just a financial transaction. It is a considered, proactive choice, shaped by personal experience, values, family legacy and strategic advice.

“For many, giving is closely tied to life’s milestones – inheriting wealth, selling a business, starting a family. For others, it is a long-term commitment rooted in vision, purpose and lasting change.”

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