Financial sustainability is the most common challenge for charities worldwide, cited by 61% of the 4,132 organizations surveyed for the Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Report 2026: Charity Insights, published in September 2026. Fewer than 1 in 10 charities say they are very well set up for the next three years.
The report is the organizations’ side of the World Giving Report. Our summary of the donor side covers how individuals give. This one shows what happens on the receiving end, and it is directly relevant to anyone who funds, rates or advises social purpose organizations.
About the report
| Publisher | Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) |
| Released | September 2026 |
| Title | World Giving Report 2026: Charity Insights |
| Data covered | Survey of 4,132 charities on readiness, demand, funding and operations |
| Latest edition? | Yes, as of November 2026 |
Key findings
- 92% of charities face at least one financial or operational challenge, and 61% name financial sustainability, according to CAF.
- Competition for funding affects 39%, rising costs 28%, and the balance between restricted and unrestricted funding 16%, the survey finds.
- Demand is rising faster than capacity: 67% of charities saw demand for their services increase.
- Fewer than 2 in 5 charities feel set up for the next three years, and fewer than 1 in 10 feel very well set up, CAF reports.
- Scale matters. Charities with 50 or more staff are twice as likely to feel very well set up. Charities in lower-income countries are the most confident overall.
- People challenges affect 35% of charities, including hiring (23%) and volunteers (15%). Technology is cited by 11%, according to the report.
Share of charities citing each challenge, according to CAF:
| Challenge | Share of charities |
|---|---|
| Financial sustainability | 61% |
| Competition for funding | 39% |
| People (hiring, volunteers, staff) | 35% |
| Rising costs | 28% |
| Restricted vs unrestricted funding | 16% |
| Technology | 11% |
What the report means for funders and impact investors
- Core funding is an impact decision. When most organizations struggle to stay financially sustainable, project-only grants leave the organization itself at risk. Multi-year, unrestricted support protects the delivery that funders want to see.
- Readiness should be assessed, not assumed. With fewer than 1 in 10 charities very well set up, due diligence that looks at reserves, staffing and systems is more useful than due diligence that looks only at programme outcomes.
- Capacity building pays off at small scale. Larger charities feel better prepared. Funders can close part of that gap by financing shared services, staff development and basic technology for smaller partners.
- Rising demand needs evidence. When 67% report higher demand, partners that measure unmet need and results give funders the evidence to argue for larger allocations.
For tools on showing results in terms funders compare, see our guide to social impact measurement.
📥 Download the full report
CAF publishes the full report on the World Giving Report website. The report is published by CAF, not by Impact DOTS.
FAQ
Financial sustainability, cited by 61% of the 4,132 charities CAF surveyed.
Fewer than 2 in 5 feel set up, and fewer than 1 in 10 feel very well set up.
Yes. 67% of charities saw demand for their services increase.
Those with 50 or more staff are twice as likely to feel very well set up. Charities in lower-income countries are the most confident overall.
