Some charities are reporting a drop in income since inflation soared, with some hit by a 20% decline, according to good cause association Goede Doelen Nederland.

Almost half the association’s members say their income has shrunk, particularly gifts from private donors. At the same time, charities are dealing with rising personnel and other costs, such as energy.

Nevertheless, overall the situation is fairly stable and income does show an upward trend over the years, spokeswoman Margreet Plug said. The decline was more marked during the coronavirus pandemic when collections were limited, she said.

Kidney foundation Nierstichting held a door to door collection last week and estimates donations are around 10% down, but said this is mainly due to one-off donations. ‘Regular donors are not giving up,’ a spokesman for the charity told broadcaster NOS.

The association has criticized the government’s decision to limit tax deductions on charitable donations to the first €250,000, saying it flies in the face of the increasingly important role charities have.