This paper investigates whether regional patterns of uneven charitable distribution
are evidenced at a local neighbourhood level. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative
evidence of charitable resources in two case-study areas, one affluent and one
deprived, it argues that there is a clear distinction between the case-study areas.
Charities in the affluent area are more numerous, run by volunteers, and meet a
broad range of social, community and cultural needs of the community. Charities in
the deprived area are less numerous, meet urgent needs related to deprivation, and
are more likely to be larger charities run by professionals with statutory funding. The
paper concludes with questions as to how the area of deprivation’s charitable
resources will be affected by austerity measures and the coalition government’s Big
Society agenda.