UNICEF receives no funding from the UN budget. We rely entirely on voluntary donations to fund our vital work for children and their rights.
We raise money from members of the public, including donations, legacies, sales of cards and gifts and individual fundraising. We also receive money from organisations, including corporate partners, event organisers, charitable trusts and foundations, government departments and other grant-making bodies.
Income in 2010
UNICEF UK's total income for 2009 was £81.3 million. This represents an increase of over 23 per cent over our 2009 income. The increase was only possible because of the continuing generosity of our supporters who share our desire to put right the wrongs that children face worldwide: in particular, their generous response to the emergencies in Haiti and Pakistan.
Our appeals for money to fund UNICEF’s work in humanitarian emergenciescontributed significantly to our income. UNICEF UK committed £36.1 million to help the millions of children caught up in emergencies in 2010. We supported humanitarian relief work in 24 countries and regions. This sum includes £20.8 million from the Department for International Development (DFID).
Fundraising costs
Charities have to spend money to raise money. Over the past five years, UNICEF UK has spent an average of 22 pence to raise each pound. This covers the costs of raising funds through mail campaigns, supporting our existing donors and recruiting new donors. This also covers the costs associated with buying, marketing and
selling UNICEF greeting cards and gifts.
Expenditure
Of the total income raised in 2009, £50.0 million was available for programmes to benefit children. Of this, £40.2 million was for specific programmes or countries chosen by our donors, £5.1 million for UNICEF core programmes and £4.7 million for UNICEF UK’s advocacy and education programmes in the UK, including those of the Baby Friendly Initiative.
On average, over the last five years, 76 per cent of UNICEF UK’s gross income was available for programmes, after fundraising, sales and administration costs.
