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Canadian generosity remains strong, with overall giving levels steady year over year and a modest increase in the share of income directed to a variety of causes. When Canadians give, they do so with intention, shaped by their financial realities. Those with greater means often give more, while others give what they can as economic pressures rise. Even as motivations evolve, charitable giving remains a priority for many Canadians.
Most donated funds flow to established charities, which receive 60% of all giving. Donors continue to prioritize causes close to home, placing greater confidence in local organisations than international ones. This preference reflects a strong belief in the positive impact charities have within their own communities.
At the same time, Canadians’ reasons for giving are shifting. Among those who donate to charity, fewer say they give primarily because of emotional connection to a cause or personal impact. This emphasizes the importance of transparency, clarity, and strong communication around results to inspire Canadians to give.
Beyond monetary donations, one in five Canadians say they volunteer, and about half want to become more involved in creating positive change. By building trust, showing impact, and meeting donors where they are, charities can help turn steady generosity into deeper, more meaningful engagement for the future.
How often did you give money away in 2025, either to charity, a person or family in need, or to a religious organisation?
The average proportion of income people gave to each of the three donation routes, and overall.
What would you say are the main reasons that you gave / did not give money away in 2025?
Which cause(s) did you donate to / do unpaid voluntary work for in 2025?
Of the total value of your donations to charities in 2025, approximately how much went to each of the following?
To what extent, if at all, have charities had a positive or negative impact in your local community, or have they made no difference?
For the last charity that you gave money to, how did you first find out about them?
How trustworthy do you tend to find each of these types of charities?
How could charities encourage you to donate in 2026?
Of the xx% that did unpaid, voluntary work in 2025 that benefitted people other than their family or friends, how many shifts did they do?
Think about the opportunities you have to get involved in making positive changes to society (whether locally or further afield). Which best describes your perspective?
"The Government encourages people to give to charity." Do you...
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) exists to accelerate progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all. Over the last 100 years, we have led the way in developing innovative approaches to giving. Annually, we distribute over £1 billion to social purpose organisations around the globe.
As a leading charity operating from the UK, US and Canada, alongside an international network of partners, CAF works at the centre of the giving world. We collaborate with corporate and individual donors to enable them to give more effectively, strategically and impactfully. This includes connecting them to charities globally and providing access to our in-depth sector knowledge, governance expertise and innovative giving solutions.
We help social purpose organisations to strengthen their resilience and do more of their life changing work, through strategic advisory services from our Impact Accelerator, tools to support charities’ fundraising activities, and charity financial services from CAF Bank Limited and CAF Financial Solutions Limited. Using our research, policy and campaigns work, we understand and influence the wider environment for charities and donors.
Together, we give more.
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) exists to accelerate progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all. Over the last 100 years, we have led the way in developing innovative approaches to giving. Annually, we distribute over £1 billion to social purpose organisations around the globe.
As a leading charity operating from the UK, US and Canada, alongside an international network of partners, CAF works at the centre of the giving world. We collaborate with corporate and individual donors to enable them to give more effectively, strategically and impactfully. This includes connecting them to charities globally and providing access to our in-depth sector knowledge, governance expertise and innovative giving solutions.
We help social purpose organisations to strengthen their resilience and do more of their life changing work, through strategic advisory services from our Impact Accelerator, tools to support charities’ fundraising activities, and charity financial services from CAF Bank Limited and CAF Financial Solutions Limited. Using our research, policy and campaigns work, we understand and influence the wider environment for charities and donors.
Together, we give more.
