Reading has been named the fifth most generous place in the UK, according to charity donation data from 2025.
In a record year for charitable giving according to annual figures from JustGiving, Leeds topped the generosity table, donating the most to charities and good causes per person via the platform last year. Edinburgh and Leicester completed the top three.
Reading finished at number 5 on the table, with donations exceeding £1.9 million in 2025 – equivalent to every single person in the city giving £5.46.
A total of 65,000 donations were made in the town, across over 3,500 charities and causes, with 10 per cent (1 in 10) of Reading’s residents donating to a JustGiving page at some point this year.
Across the UK, over one million fundraising pages were created this year, and over 18 million donations made to UK charities via JustGiving, making it a record-breaking year.
The fundraising platform also revealed 73 million miles were logged for fitness challenges in 2025, with £164 million raised for running events.
Elsewhere, nearly 3,000 people shaved their heads for charity – generating £2.7 million – while nearly 500 world record attempters raised over £1.2 million.
In addition, schools across the UK contributed over £31 million in total through their charitable endeavours.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults went on to explore charitable ambitions for 2026, revealing one in four (26 per cent) are likely to set themselves a fundraising goal in the New Year.
And 28 per cent hope to donate more to charity than they did in 2025, while 31 per cent are keen to take on a fundraising challenge next year.
Health and medical research (38 per cent), animal welfare (32 per cent), and children or education causes (31 per cent) are the top categories Brits plan to support, followed by mental-health support (30 per cent), homelessness and housing (29 per cent), and environmental causes (21 per cent).
And with the festive season fast approaching, 46 per cent of those polled via OnePoll believe the best way to give back at Christmas is by donating toys, clothes or food to families in need.
A further 41 per cent reckon supporting a local charity or cause is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference during the holidays.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, said: “This year, which saw us celebrate our 25th anniversary, has been nothing short of extraordinary for charitable giving.
“Despite ongoing financial pressures, people across the UK continue to dig deep for loved ones’ fundraisers and causes close to their hearts, with Reading showing particular generosity.
“We’ve seen countless examples of communities rallying together when it matters most – It’s a powerful reminder that generosity remains a defining part of who we are.”
*Statistics cover the period between 1st January and 9th December 2025.
TOP TEN MOST GENEROUS PLACES BY AVERAGE DONATION ON JUSTGIVING:
Leeds – £7.88
Edinburgh – £7.09
Leicester – £6.55
Bristol – £6.28
Reading – £5.46
Preston – £4.81
Nottingham – £4.69
London – £4.50
Cardiff – £4.13
Glasgow – £3.89
