Building community connection could unlock even greater giving across Surrey
New research from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) highlights Surrey as one of the UK’s leading areas for charitable giving, while also revealing a powerful opportunity to grow generosity even further through stronger community connection - something we recognise deeply at the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFSurrey).
The UK Local Giving Report 2026 shows that several Surrey constituencies, including Farnham and Bordon, Esher and Walton, and Epsom and Ewell, are among the country’s top areas for giving, with around two-thirds of residents donating to charity. Esher and Walton also ranks among the UK’s biggest giving hotspots, with an estimated £36.2 million donated in a single year. At the CFSurrey, we see this wonderful generosity first hand and we are continually inspired by the commitment across the county to support others and strengthen communities.
Surrey’s strong performance reflects its place within the wider South East, one of the most significant regions for charitable giving in the UK. However, the CAF report also highlights an important national trend: while overall donations remain high in more affluent areas, people are giving a smaller proportion of their income than in previous years.
Crucially, the research also shows that a sense of connection to local communities plays a defining role in generosity. In Surrey, only 39% reported they were engaged in their local communities, and just over half feel a strong sense of local pride.
“Part of the solution to unlocking greater giving lies in understanding the power of place and community… when people are engaged in a local area, they tend to give more”
We know when people feel connected to where they live and can clearly see the impact of local charities and grassroots organisations, they are significantly more likely to give their time and money. This sits at the heart of CFSurrey’s mission as a catalyst for the county: connecting donors, ideas and resources to areas of greatest need. We work to ensure that generosity translates into meaningful, lasting engagement and change for our communities.
“We know how connecting people to causes in their local communities creates lasting impact. By building trusted relationships with donors and working closely with grassroots organisations, we ensure funding reaches the charities and community groups that are making the biggest difference across Surrey.”
CFSurrey offers a wide range of ways for people to get involved in their local community, whether through giving time, money or expertise. Individuals, families and businesses can donate to existing funds, set up their own charitable fund, or join others in pooled funds that support specific causes or areas of Surrey.
Alongside financial giving, CFSurrey provides opportunities to volunteer, including through its Funder Plus programme, which matches skilled volunteers with charitable organisations.
People can also take an active role by joining local area fund panels, helping to raise and distribute funding within their own communities. Together, these opportunities enable people to play a direct and meaningful role in supporting local causes.
While Surrey remains one of the country’s strongest areas for charitable giving, the report highlights an opportunity to build on this generosity even further through deeper community engagement and continued support for local causes. As charities face increasing demand and pockets of deprivation across Surrey become ever more apparent, support is needed now more than ever.
If you would like to get involved with the work we do, we would love to hear from you, please contact us via info@cfsurrey.org.uk.
To find out more about donating to your local community further information can be found here: Give to Surrey