Charitable donations over £1m have fallen 13% since the onset of the recession, while the number of donors making commitments at this level has fallen just 6%, suggesting resilience of the UK philanthropy sector, according to new research.

The Coutts Million Pound Donors Report, compiled by private bank Coutts & Co in association with the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent, showed more 'million pound donations' are being given directly to charities to spend on activities.