Comparing a similar 2009 study to its recent 2011 study, Ipsos found that 69% of Canadians have made a financial donation to a charitable organization in the past year. That's up from 65% in 2009, but results indicate that our generosity for the future hinges on the future economic prospects of the country.

"Canada weathered the global economic crisis fairly well, but the outlook for 2012 is not as positive and public sentiment is less optimistic. This does not bode well for discretionary spending and that means charities may very well feel the crunch," says Steve Levy of Ipsos Reid. "While we have seen more Canadians donating in the past two years, they are donating less than in the past and to a broader range of charities. With more competition and looming economic pressures, charitable organizations are going to have to look at creative and engaging methods to make their point and meet their fundraising targets."

Read the full summary