The Giving Report 2024: How social connection shapes generosity
CanadaHelps · 2024
The Giving Report 2024 connected Canada’s declining donor participation with a wider concern: weakening social ties and people’s confidence that they can make a difference.
Steven Ayer of Common Good Strategies provided research, interviews and writing for CanadaHelps’ seventh annual Giving Report, From Disconnection to Collective Action.
New survey findings showed that 84% of respondents with seven to ten close friends donated to charity, compared with 53% of those with no close friends or just one. Stronger social connections were also associated with volunteering, community participation and confidence in charity leaders.
The report also examined why concern about issues such as climate change does not consistently translate into donations or other action.
For charities, the findings suggest building opportunities for people to connect, participate and see their contribution making a difference. This gives community-building a place in long-term fundraising strategy.
Carleton University’s PANL Perspectives included it among its top reports about the nonprofit sector. The report’s distinctive contribution was linking giving trends with the relationships that support generosity.