Catholic Generosity Report highlights strength of UK Catholic giving

How generous are UK Catholics? Very generous, according to a major new study commissioned by Catholics in Fundraising (CiF) has provided the first comprehensive picture of Catholic generosity across the UK. The Catholic Generosity Report estimates that UK Catholics contribute around £2.9 billion each year to charitable causes through donations, volunteering, investment and charitable service.

Drawing on ONS data, if founds Catholic giving averages £136/month, which is higher than the £72 per month given by UK citizens to all charities according to the Charities Aid Foundation¹, although lower than some of the groups in the UK Stewardship Generosity Report on Christian giving. 

The report highlights the significant impact of the Catholic community while also identifying opportunities to increase support through legacy giving, major philanthropy, faith-aligned investment and greater collaboration across the sector. It finds around 360,000 Catholic households in the UK have net wealth exceeding £1 million, and estimates that Catholics together give £2.9 billion to charity annually, which makes up about 10 per cent of charitable giving in the UK.

One particularly striking statistic was that dioceses, missionary and international organisations raise as much as £9 for every £1 spent, and that Catholic charities spend roughly 20% of voluntary income on fundraising, compared to 25% among top UK charities.

Commenting on the findings, John Green, Chairman of Catholics in Fundraising, said this: 

"At a time when many charities face increasing demands and financial pressures, the report offers both encouragement and a challenge: encouragement because Catholic generosity remains strong and deeply rooted in our faith tradition, and a challenge because there remains considerable untapped potential for greater philanthropy, legacy giving and collaboration across the sector. We hope this research will stimulate discussion, inform decision-making and inspire renewed commitment to stewardship for the common good." 

The report is available now, by contacting john@catholicsinfundraising.com. John will also be one of the speakers and contributors at the Faith and Fundraising Conference, 1st October 2026.