Figures for the financial year ending March 2021 show year on year increase to £143.9 million.
Indicator figures released during the first national ‘lockdown’ quarter (Financial Q1 2020- 2021) showed an uplift, and the full year’s numbers now show this trend did not slow. From April 2020 – March 2021 donations made through Payroll Giving topped £135.5 million, with match funding from employers bringing the total to £143.9 million.
The figures collated by the Association of Payroll Giving Organisations (APGO), which represents the key stakeholders in the Payroll Giving sector, show employee donations are up 6% and employer matching rose by 4% compared to the previous financial year.
A surge in the average gift was also recorded in the final quarter (January – March 2021), potentially attributed to more one-off donations being made in this tax efficient way, to coincide with the ending fiscal calendar.
Panikos Efthimiou, Chair of the APGO, said:
“When other forms of fundraising are under pressure, it’s great companies and their employees are utilising Payroll Giving to aid those in greatest need. With UK charities facing an estimated £12.4 billion funding gap due to missed events and paused fundraising, Payroll Giving has provided a reliable income for many causes. It has proven a fantastic and easy way for employers to engage with staff on a personal level during such turbulent times.”