Silver surfers lead way in online giving

Web donations to religious groups have soared by 128 per cent over the past five years, while online giving to culture and arts institutions has trebled, a study by the website Justgiving found.

A poll of more than 2,000 adults found over-60s were the most generous age group, donating three times as much online to religious organisations compared with five years ago. Older people also made five times more donations via the internet to culture and arts groups over the same period.

Churches are being urged to adapt to modern methods of giving charity to ensure they do not miss out on generous donations.

Retired bishop the Rt Rev Stephen Lowe said: “To keep up with their congregations, churches and faith groups need to catch up on modern methods of charitable giving beyond the plate and direct debit. People want the ability to respond immediately to need in a world which is increasingly cashless, which is why so many of them are now giving online.”

The research by ICM revealed the average amount of web donations each year was £135, while people aged 55 to 64 donated £157 and over-65s gave £182.

Anne-Marie Huby, managing director of JustGiving, said: “Digital giving is now reaching older and more traditional segments of the giving public.”