Demand for Charity Services Survey 2009 - Summary

Following earlier surveys on the impact of the global economic recession on Australian charities’ fundraising appeals, Givewell undertook a new survey in June/July 2009 to assess the specific impact of the downturn on the demand for the services of Australian charities.

In total, responses from 303 charities were received with an ultimate sample size of 276 used for analysis once multiple responses from the same organisation were removed. The survey finds that almost two-thirds of charities (63%) have experienced a material increase in the demand for their services for the 2009 financial year. Similarly, two-thirds state that they believe the economic recession explains this increase, with responses ranging from ‘to an extent’ to ‘almost entirely’.

Expectations for the future are also of concern, with 68% expecting the demand for their services to increase further in the 2010 financial year. Analysis shows that after combining the weighted increase for 2009 with the expected increase in 2010, the average weighted increase in demand for services since the downturn first emerged is expected to be around 10% by 2010.

Charities that help the poor and disadvantaged are worst hit, as are those operating in smaller States (by population). A more detailed analysis of the results and a spreadsheet containing individual (unidentifiable) comments is available via email to paid subscribers to the Givewell Research Centre and those who participated in the survey.

Contact research@givewell.com.au to request your copy.

Givewell would like to thank all those charities that took part in the survey.