Public support for charities has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, but a drop in people’s income is set to affect regular donations, new research has revealed.

A poll conducted by nfpSynergy between Friday 22 March and Tuesday 24 March revealed 66% of the general public are willing to consider donating to charities amid the pandemic, while 8% have already done so.

It further revealed over half (51%) would consider volunteering, while 47% would consider fundraising for a charity working directly on a response to coronavirus.

Despite this, the poll revealed 66% of respondents were unable to name a single charity working directly on responding to the outbreak.

Overall, the British Red Cross was the most mentioned charity, chosen by 7% of respondents, followed by Age UK (5%) and Oxfam (4%).

Meanwhile, although the public’s attitude towards charities during the pandemic was generally strong, 25% said they expect to decrease the amount they give to charity, compared to 18% expecting to increase.

This was primarily cited as a result of cuts to income, with 49% claiming they expect their income to drop over the next few months.

Results found ‘significantly high’ numbers of people had already been involved in helping out in their community without the involvement of a charity (17%), while a further 60% would consider doing so.

Respondents said they want to see charities demonstrating ‘concrete action in the here and now’ by providing day to day support for at-risk people (64%), followed by funding or carrying out medical research (41%) and providing volunteers at hospitals (40%).

Further down the list were providing advice and information (27%) or campaigning on behalf of vulnerable beneficiaries (13%). Over half (57%) of the public believe that charities should continue to engage in fundraising with the public.

"These results show the importance for UK charities of continuing to communicate with the public throughout the crisis," nfpSynergy director, Ireland, Cian Murphy said.

"If you work responding to the pandemic, or if your beneficiaries are affected, let people know. If not, remind them why you are still relevant and your work is still vital. There is still an appetite for fundraising among the public, so don't be afraid to communicate your need for donations now more than ever," he added.

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