The top 10 most generous cities in the UK - where does Leeds place on the list?
The UK has officially reached a new milestone in generosity, despite the cost of living crisis.
Data from JustGiving’s 2025 annual report reveals an extraordinary year for charitable giving, with over 18 million individual donations made and one million fundraising pages created.
From marathon runners to head-shavers, the British public has dug deeper than ever before to support the causes closest to their hearts, as fundraisers logged an incredible 73 million miles via fitness apps this year.
A significant portion of the year’s success came from the ‘biggest-ever day’ for charitable running, when the London and Manchester Marathons coincided to generate over £45 million in a single 24-hour window.
A little closer to home, Kevin Sinfield’s penultimate 7 in 7 challenge raised £1.3 million for various Motor Neurone Disease charities, with many in the city cheering him on as he ended his marathon at Headingley Stadium - alongside many dressed to dash as Santa Claus at the same time.
So the spirit of giving does indeed still exist in the country, but where, according to JustGiving’s annual report, are the most giving areas in the country this year?
Where is the UK’s most generous city in 2025?
Stand up and be proud, Leeds - as we are officially considered the most generous city in the United Kingdom in 2025!
JustGiving crowned the city this year’s winner, after data showed that residents in the city gave on average £7.88 each in terms of donations; that equates to nearly one in six locals (18%) using the platform to donate.
The ranking was fuelled by a vibrant mix of massive community events and deeply personal acts of kindness, with a major contributor being the "Marathon Effect," which saw thousands of Leeds runners participate in April's record-breaking "Double Marathon" weekend, helping to build a staggering £45 million nationwide pot.
Local schools also demonstrated incredible spirit, joining a collective national effort that saw students raise over £31 million for various causes.
It’s a testament to the hearts of those in Leeds, something that wasn’t lost on President and General Manager of JustGiving, Pascale Harvie, who said: “Despite ongoing financial pressures, people across the UK continue to dig deep for loved ones’ fundraisers and causes close to their hearts, with the people of Leeds going the extra mile, topping our list as this year’s most generous city."
Securing the silver and bronze medals were Edinburgh and Leicester, two cities that pushed Leeds right to the finish line with their own remarkable displays of community spirit.
Residents in the Scottish capital claimed second place by donating an impressive £7.09 each on average, with much of the momentum driven by iconic events like the Edinburgh Marathon Festival and the creative personal challenges that spring up during the Fringe.
Meanwhile, Leicester proved itself to be a true powerhouse of grassroots generosity, taking third place with an average donation of £6.55.
The city consistently punches above its weight, fuelled by a fierce sense of local pride and dedicated support for regional initiatives like Charity Link, proving that the heart of the East Midlands is as big as any in the country.
The top 10 most charitable cities in the United Kingdom in 2025
- Leeds: £7.88
- Edinburgh: £7.09
- Leicester: £6.55
- Bristol: £6.28
- Reading: £5.46
- Preston: £4.81
- Nottingham: £4.69
- London: £4.50
- Cardiff: £4.13
- Glasgow: £3.89
To take a look at what Leeds-centric charity appeals are currently taking place, or to learn how to set up your own appeal in the city in 2026, you can visit JustGiving’s website for more information or to continue the charitable trend over the Christmas season.