Covid-19 damaging philanthropy in the arts, report reveals

The report, entitled 'Covid-19 and Philanthropy - Who is giving?' examines near real-time data from box office feeds of both commercial and not-for-profit venues in the UK, US and Canada.

In the first nine months of 2020, the number of philanthropic gifts received by performing arts organisations in the UK fell by 35% and the average value of those gifts fell by 11% from the previous year. 

The study also found that:

•   There was a spike in the value of gifts of less than £1 million in April at the time when many organisations in both the UK and North America were encouraging ticket holders to make donations rather than request a refund for cancelled performances.
•   74% of all gift revenue received in the first nine months of 2020 came from the most loyal ‘Super Active’ patrons (10 or more previous engagements).
•   The monthly number and cumulative value of gifts compared to 2019 from these patrons has dropped sharply since June, down 47% and 89% respectively.

TRG chief executive office Jill Robinson said: 'The large decreases in average gift size indicate where efforts need to be focused in these final months of 2020. Many UK theatres have in recent years mounted successful fundraising campaigns at Christmas. While there is still uncertainty about how many venues will be open in December this year, organisations need to have plans in place to ensure past donors are continuing to engage with and support their local venue at this crucial time of the year, whether or not they are able to welcome audiences.'

The full October COVID-19 Sector Benchmark Insight Report is available at https://go.trgarts.com/InsightReport_Oct20. TRG Arts and Purple Seven will publish further studies on a monthly basis while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the arts and culture sector.