UK ranked as the fifth most generous country by GoFundMe report

11 Dec 2019 News

The UK is the fifth most generous country in the world, with Edinburgh being the most charitable place in the UK, according to a report by GoFundMe. 

The online giving platform has published its Year in Giving report today, which ranks countries and cities by number of donations per capita. It reports that a donation is made every second on GoFundMe, with one in seven Brits having donated via the platform. 

Ireland was rated as the most generous country worldwide, followed by the United States, Australia and Canada, with the UK coming it at number five. The UK ranks as the second most generous country in Europe behind Ireland.

Edinburgh was reported as the most generous city in the UK, followed by Cambridge, Bath, Norwich and Bristol.

Climate campaigns on the rise

In the UK there has also been a spike in crowdfunding campaigns related to the climate emergency, with an increase of 65 per cent in fundraisers mentioning climate change since last year. 

The most popular day to start a campaign is Tuesday and 9pm is the most popular time. Brits seem to be at their most generous on Friday, with 8pm the most popular time to donate.

Rob Solomon, GoFundMe chief executive, said: “When it comes to social fundraising, the distance, background, or relationship to those in need doesn’t matter—our donors and organisers span the globe and have different needs, concerns, and interests.

“But what they all have in common is the drive to care for others and take action. They are people who see something and do something. We are changing the way the world gives! Every day we see more people taking an active role in making a difference, and our community continues to grow. In fact, nearly 60 per cent of donors were new this year.

In addition to the global data in the report, and ahead of the UK general election taking place tomorrow, GoFundMe has revealed some of the top political campaigns that have been launched throughout the year. 

More than £300,000 has been raised for Democracy: The Fight Back, which launched after Leave.EU campaign funder Arron Banks threatened legal action against Guardian journalist Carole Cadwalladr.

Over £100,000 has been raised by Justice 4 Harry, after a suspect in a crash that killed Harry Dunn was able to leave the UK citing diplomatic immunity. 

Elsewhere the LBC presenter James O'Brien raised over £15,000 for HOPE not hate, which campaigns against fascism and racism. 

Top 10 most generous countries (number of donations per capita) 

  1. Ireland
  2. United States
  3. Australia
  4. Canada
  5. United Kingdom
  6. Switzerland
  7. Luxembourg
  8. Netherlands
  9. Denmark
  10. Norway

Top 10 most generous UK cities (number of donations per capita) 

  1. Edinburgh
  2. Cambridge
  3. Bath
  4. Derry/Londonderry
  5. Norwich
  6. Bristol
  7. Plymouth
  8. Exeter
  9. Ipswich
  10. Liverpool
     
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