Tag: generosity

Edinburgh among the UK’s most generous cities of 2025

Edinburgh has been named the second most generous city in the UK, according to charity donation data from 2025.

In a record year for charitable giving according to annual figures from JustGiving, Leeds topped the generosity table, donating the most to charities and good causes per person via the platform last year.

Edinburgh finished at number 2 on the table, with donations exceeding £3.9 million in 2025 – equivalent to every single person in the city giving £7.09.

A total of 127,000 donations were made in the city, across 4,000 charities and causes, with 12% per cent (1 in 8) of Edinburgh’s residents donating to a JustGiving page at some point this year.

Across the UK, over one million fundraising pages were created this year, and over 18 million donations made to UK charities via JustGiving, making it a record-breaking year.

The fundraising platform also revealed 73 million miles were logged for fitness challenges in 2025, with £164 million raised for running events.

Elsewhere, nearly 3,000 people shaved their heads for charity – generating £2.7 million – while nearly 500 world record attempters raised over £1.2 million.

In addition, schools across the UK contributed over £31 million in total through their charitable endeavours.

A poll of 2,000 UK adults went on to explore charitable ambitions for 2026, revealing one in four (26 per cent) are likely to set themselves a fundraising goal in the New Year.

And 28 per cent hope to donate more to charity than they did in 2025, while 31 per cent are keen to take on a fundraising challenge next year.

Health and medical research (38 per cent), animal welfare (32 per cent), and children or education causes (31 per cent) are the top categories Brits plan to support, followed by mental-health support (30 per cent), homelessness and housing (29 per cent), and environmental causes (21 per cent).

And with the festive season fast approaching, 46 per cent of those polled via OnePoll believe the best way to give back at Christmas is by donating toys, clothes or food to families in need.

A further 41 per cent reckon supporting a local charity or cause is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference during the holidays.

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, said: “This year, which saw us celebrate our 25th anniversary, has been nothing short of extraordinary for charitable giving.

“Despite ongoing financial pressures, people across the UK continue to dig deep for loved ones’ fundraisers and causes close to their hearts, with Edinburgh showing particular generosity.

“We’ve seen countless examples of communities rallying together when it matters most – It’s a powerful reminder that generosity remains a defining part of who we are.”

*Statistics cover the period between 1st January and 9th December 2025.

TOP TEN MOST GENEROUS CITIES BY AVERAGE DONATION ON JUSTGIVING:

  1. Leeds – £7.88
  2. Edinburgh – £7.09
  3. Leicester – £6.55
  4. Bristol – £6.28
  5. Reading – £5.46
  6. Preston – £4.81
  7. Nottingham – £4.69
  8. London – £4.50
  9. Cardiff – £4.13
  10. Glasgow – £3.89

Generosity has increased since lockdown began, research reveals

I think we can all agree the last 12 months have been challenging in so many ways, for people and businesses alike. But one of the most heart-warming parts since the first lockdown was announced has been seeing how many people have pulled together to help those in need.

New research by thortful.com has shown that people are now looking to give back. thortful analysed Google Trends data since the start of the first lockdown and found that there has been a huge increase in terms like ‘care packages for friends’ and ‘care package ideas’ seeing a 3350% and 250% increase in the last 12 months.

Businesses are also looking to show their appreciation to loyal customers who have continued to support them during these uncertain times, with the search term ‘thank you business cards’ seeing a 400% increase in the last 12 months.

Interestingly, search terms like ‘thank you for your order cards’ and ‘thank you for your purchase cards’ are two breakout queries, indicating this is a growing trend and that businesses want to give back to their customer base.

People’s willingness to give back was also seen during the Mother’s Day period when people donated to thortful’s NHS Charities Together campaign, which raised £130,126.50 for NHS Charities. Thanks to their customers, they were able to smash their target of raising £110,000. .

thortful became the official card company sponsor of the NHS Charities Together during the Mother’s Day period (15th February – 14th March), and pledged £110,000 to NHS Charities Together.

During this period, 5p for every Mother’s Day card sold and £5 from every Rainbow bouquet bought was donated by thortful directly to NHSCT. thortful smashed their target on 15th March 2021 with the total figure now at £130,126.50.

Commenting on the initiative, a thortful spokesperson explained: “It’s great to see how generous and altruistic people have been during this time.

“We are so grateful to all our wonderful customers for helping us raise this huge amount of money. We wanted to show our support and gratitude for all of the NHS staff who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic.”

For the full thank you card range, go to: https://www.thortful.com/cards/thank-you