Bedford named the UK’s most generous town by JustGiving

Bedford has been named the UK’s most charitable town by fundraising website JustGiving, ahead of Cambridge, Reading and Bristol.

The online platform has released data identifying the towns and cities that have contributed the most to its appeals, taking into account the number of donors relative to population size. 

In the year ending May 2014, 41,631 Bedford residents – more than 50% of the population – donated a total of £1,145,967 to JustGiving appeals. 

“It’s fantastic to hear that Bedford has come out on top as the most generous town in the country, but it’s no surprise,” the mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, told Bedfordshire News.

“I know how generously people give not only their hard-earned money but also their time and energy both to national and to the many excellent local charities.”

Cambridge and Reading completed the top three, having raised £1,440,634 and £1,711,566 respectively. Also featuring in the top ten is Bristol, where 135,373 givers pledged £3,582,531. 

The town of Sevenoaks, Kent, took the top spot for per person generosity, as the average donor gave £42.29. London came third, with the average donor from the capital giving £40.68. 

The data only takes into account the money given to JustGiving, meaning it does not provide a full picture. But the fundraising website – the UK’s largest – say the findings reveal much about how Britons support good causes.

“Looking at this data has been a real insight into how the nation donates, with some towns and cities emerging as giving hot spots,” said Charlie Wells, chief marketing officer at JustGiving. 

“Online giving is transforming the way people give, helping causes to reach more people, raise more money and inspire more giving.” 

Photo: Ronald Saunders via Flickr

Further reading:

FTSE 100 double charitable donations since recession

Philanthropy is about giving ‘a hand up, rather than a handout’

British businesses urged to ‘show leadership in charity work and philanthropy’

Philanthropic giving is ‘urgently needed’, say 79% of high net worths

The Guide to Sustainable Philanthropy 2014