Charities facing "cost of giving crisis" as people cut back on donations

Easyfundraising was launched in 2005 and has given over £42 million for thousands of charities through its members buying goods and services, a percentage of which goes to the chosen good cause of the shopper.

However, Easyfundraising CEO James Moir warned inflation and other pressures on household incomes is forcing people to give less to charities.

He said: "We speak to our charities and causes on a daily basis and are well aware of the crisis that they are facing. As the cost of living crisis begins to grip even tighter across the country, more and more charities are seeing donations decrease as people have to prioritise other things.

"This all comes at a time when the services that are provided by these wonderful people are being demanded more and more, it's a real Catch-22 situation for many."

As people tighten their belts and analyse outgoings many are cancelling long standing direct debits to charities, many of which rely on direct donations from supporters to survive.

Mr Moir urged people feeling guilty not being able to afford to donate directly to charities to sign up with Easyfundraising.

He said: "That's why we are showing people that they can raise money for their charities and causes without it costing them a penny extra if they do their online shopping through us.

"We are coming up to Black Friday and then Christmas, the busiest online shopping period of the year so those little donations will begin to add up and will help countless numbers of people."

Mr Moir said: "We partner with over 7,000 retailers who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice. It won't cost you any extra. The retailer pays us a commission because when you start your shop from the Easyfundraising website or app, they can see we sent you to them. If you make a purchase, a commission is generated, and we turn that into a donation."

For more information about Easyfundraising visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk.