Research from the University’s Centre for the Study of Philanthropy, Humanitarianism and Social Justice has revealed that UK philanthropy has remained surprisingly robust despite the economic situation.

The research, which was commissioned by Coutts & Co for its second annual Coutts Million-Pound Donors Report, also reveals that, unlike the first year this research was undertaken (2006-2007), more 'million-pound donations' are being given directly to front-line charities rather than being 'banked' in charitable foundations for distribution at a later date. Consequently, the amount of money that 'million-pound donors' have made available for spending directly on charitable recipients has actually increased from £705m in 2006/07 to £808m in 2007/08 - an increase of over £100 million.

Other key findings include:

• the total value of 'million pound donations' in 2006/07 was £1.618 billion and in 2007/08 was £1.405 billion;
• the majority of 'million-pound donors' are individuals (51%); professional foundations are responsible for 38% of these gifts and only one in ten came from corporations (11%);
• the most popular causes for 'million-pound donors' are higher education, arts and culture, and international aid and development.

Find out more:

• The Centre belongs to the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research at the University of Kent.
• Download the 2009 Coutts Million-Pound Donors Report (pdf) by Dr Beth Breeze of the Centre for the Study of Philanthropy, Humanitarianism and Social Justice
• See coverage of this story in the Financial Times and The Times
• More information about Dr Beth Breeze, author of the report.
• Read Beth Breeze's blog on blogs.kent - 'Kent Philanthropy' or follow her on Twitter @UKCPhilanthropy

Related courses at Kent:

Postgraduate courses (Master's and PhDs)

• Sociology and Social Policy postgraduate degree programmes

Undergraduate courses (Bachelor's)

• Sociology undergraduate degree programmes
• Social Policy undergraduate degree programmes