Public support for specific charitable 'causes' varies significantly, depending on political outlookOverall level of public giving/volunteering is 'party neutral'"Interesting to see how differences in different parties' supporter's specific charitable sympathies might sway coalition policy, as the Big Society unfolds," nfpSynergy commentsSupport for specific charitable causes varies with political outlook, according to  out today

“Small, local charities especially well-placed to harness goodwill of loyal hardcore donors,” vies nfpSynergy’s MolyneuxThe public are more likely to perceive smaller charities as being “friendly” but “amateurish”; and larger ones as being “professional” but “wasteful”, according to data out today. However, smaller charities may just have the edge - from a “loyal hardcore” - when it comes to attracting donors.

Men, the better-off and the young spearhead growing Scottish desire for charity to stay “at home” “Scottish charities should stress local spend and identity to boost domestic donations”, vies nfpSynergy’s BakerAs the economic lull has worn on, the Scottish public has increasingly felt that charitable donations made north of the border should also be spent there, according to new data out today.

Two thirds (65%) of British adults claim they trust charities, according to latest figures (Nov 2008)This 23 percentage point rise since July 2007 marks the largest increase in trust in any kind of public institutionBanks show nine percentage point slump in public confidence over the same period“Public and voluntary sectors appear trustworthy compared with failing private sector, epitomised by propped-up banks,” touts Saxton“Happily, despite downturn, public probably trusts a

 Facebook easily the most popular, not least amongst those of university age “Engage with potential young campaigners and donors via their own online social milieu”, says nfpSynergy’s Baker5 out of 6 (83%) of all 11-25 year olds use at least one social networking site, with Facebook easily the most popular - according to data out today. Significantly, those claiming regular involvement with charities, and those of university age, are especially likely to use such online media.

Bullying, discrimination and buying the fruits of child labour: amongst activities that society adjudges most immoralCohabitation and sex before marriage: amongst least unethical activities, say public“Charities working at front line of moral relevancy, tackling what public deem to be our ‘modern-day sins’”, claims SaxtonCharities and campaigners are tackling the activities society most deems unethical, whilst issues still vexing many religions have less moral relevancy - according to new data

“Recession has made Scots philanthropically cautious” although “dip in giving may have flattened out”, vies nfpSynergy’s BakerThe number of Scottish people claiming they “donated to charity in the last 6 months” has dipped from 79% in April 08 - before the full felt force of the economic downturn - to just 71% in April 09, according to new data out today. Scottish males and the middle-aged (35-64 year olds) seem to have fronted the slump.

“Fantastic opportunity for courageous charities to respond to this public plea”, rallies nfpSynergy’s BakerThe public are keener than ever for charities to be 'supportive', 'sympathetic' and 'responsive', now that the UK has entered recession, according to new data out today: demands that pose an interesting challenge to an already struggling third sector.

 Last year 1 in 4 MPs didn't even bother going, rising to almost 1 in 3 Labour MPs  "More persuasive to lobby politicians face-to-face in Westminster or at constituency level" says nfpSynergy's Lincoln As the party conference season gets underway, only 13% of MPs and 9% of Peers rate attending such gatherings as one of the best ways for charities to influence them, trailing almost every other lobby tactic - according to a poll out today.