The annual barometer of charities' digital and AI skills, trends, funding and support needs.

What we've learnt in 2026

Digital progress

81% of charities have moved forward this year.

AI use

79% of charities are now using AI.

Strategy

28% of charities have a digital strategy in place.

AI skills

56% say a lack of skills is their biggest AI barrier.

Trust

35% don’t trust AI tools, more than double last year.

Grantmaking

55% of funders don’t know if applicants use AI.

Applications

58% of funders say AI is changing the bids they get.

Funding squeeze

63% say squeezed finances are their biggest barrier.

Boards

33% of charities say their board has poor AI skills.

Funding

44% say training staff is their top funding need.