The largest businesses in the UK gave less to charity last year, despite record profits, according to new research.
The Charities Aid Foundation’s (CAF) annual Corporate Giving Report found that the collective donations of the 100 largest listed UK companies decreased from £1.85bn to £1.69bn year-on-year, while their profits grew by 10.7% to £212bn.
Meanwhile, the number of FTSE 100 firms giving more than 1% of pre-tax profits declined from 24 in the previous year to 23 in 2025, while combined profits have almost doubled since 2009.
Following the global financial crisis in 2008, giving by FTSE 100 companies equated to 1.7% of pre-tax profits (£1.84bn). This compares with 0.8% most recently (£1.69bn).
To have kept up with inflation since 2009, donations would need to be 76% higher than current levels, CAF said.
Since 2022 when inflation peaked, CAF estimated that charities have lost out on around £4bn in real terms as a result.
27% of UK businesses giving to charity
The research found that 27% of UK businesses more broadly that CAF surveyed were found to support charities in any way, with 17% of them giving cash.
Two-thirds of the employees surveyed said they would like their employer to give to charity, while three-quarters of consumers said they felt more favourable to businesses they see do good in their local areas.
For businesses that do not give to charities, 18% said the main reason was because they did not have enough budget, 57% said they had not considered it or did not see the benefit.
Financial firms gave the largest outright sum to charities, with the £401m donated by the sector representing nearly one quarter of all FTSE 100 giving.
However, the health care sector continued to donate the highest share of its pre‑tax profits, at 1.9% compared to just 0.5% for financial companies.
‘Many businesses failing to recognise role they play in supporting society’
Mark Greer, managing director of the Charities Aid Foundation, said of the research findings: “In 2009, when businesses were navigating a global financial crisis, they continued to give generously.
“Today it seems too many organisations, including many of the largest companies, are reducing budgets, withholding data or failing to recognise the role business can play in supporting society.
“When leaders put giving on the agenda, it becomes part of business strategy, culture and long-term planning, rather than something considered only when circumstances allow.
“Government has its role in shaping a stronger culture of giving. But at a time when charities are experiencing declining donations and rising demand, it has never been more important for business leaders to step up and play their part.”
