Fewer than 2 in 5 charities worldwide feel set up to meet the next three years, and fewer than 1 in 10 feel very well set up, according to the World Giving Report 2026: Charity Insights, published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) in September 2026. The survey of 4,132 charities finds demand rising faster than organizations can fund it.
This report is the charity side of the World Giving Report. Our summary of the donor side, Six in Ten People Gave Money in 2025, covers how individuals give. Together, the two show both ends of the giving relationship.
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 operational challenges |
| Latest edition? | Yes, as of November 2026 |
Key findings
- 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, according to CAF.
- 67% of charities saw demand for their services rise, and 92% face at least one financial or operational challenge, the report finds.
- Financial sustainability is the top challenge, cited by 61%, followed by competition for funding (39%), rising costs (28%) and the balance between restricted and unrestricted funds (16%).
- People challenges affect 35% of charities, including hiring (23%) and volunteers (15%). Technology is cited by 11%, according to CAF.
- Readiness varies by region: 26% of charities in South America feel set up, against more than 40% in North America, Oceania and Asia.
- Charities in lower-income countries are the most confident, and those with 50 or more staff are twice as likely to feel very well set up, the report shows.
The main challenges charities report, according to CAF:
| Challenge | Share of charities |
|---|---|
| Financial sustainability | 61% |
| People (hiring, volunteers and staff) | 35% |
| Competition for funding | 39% |
| Rising costs | 28% |
| Balance of restricted and unrestricted funds | 16% |
| Technology | 11% |
What the report means for Arab NGOs and civil society organizations
- Funding stability comes before growth. With 61% citing financial sustainability, building reserves and multi-year commitments is a priority, not an extra.
- Unrestricted funding needs a direct conversation with donors. The restricted and unrestricted balance is a named challenge. Showing donors what core costs make possible is the strongest case for flexible funding.
- Size brings resilience. Larger charities feel better prepared. Smaller Arab organizations can gain some of that resilience through coalitions, shared services and joint fundraising.
- Rising demand must be measured. When 67% see demand rise, organizations that document unmet need and results are better placed to argue for more support.
📥 Download the full report
CAF publishes the full report, with country and regional data, on the World Giving Report website. The report is published by CAF, not by Elathar.
FAQ
Fewer than 2 in 5, and fewer than 1 in 10 feel very well set up, according to CAF’s World Giving Report 2026: Charity Insights.
Financial sustainability, cited by 61% of charities, followed by competition for funding at 39%.
Yes. 67% of charities surveyed saw demand for their services rise.
4,132 charities.
The donor report measures how individuals give. Charity Insights surveys the organizations that receive and use those gifts.
