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Looking at the landscape of generosity in France, it becomes clear that trust is the cornerstone shaping donor behaviour. This year’s findings, which reinforce last year’s, reveal a distinctive characteristic: donors prefer supporting charities with which they are familiar and trust those closest to them the most.
It is crucial to note that transparency emerges as a central element in enhancing donor engagement. When asked how charities could inspire greater contributions, 39% call for more clarity on management and 29% for more information on impact. The data indicates that individuals in France donate 0.4% of their income — well below the European (0.6%) and global (1%) averages. Notably, 43% of respondents attribute their limited financial contributions to the ongoing challenges of affordability.
Yet, it is essential to recognise that these financial barriers do not diminish people’s commitment to generosity. Instead, it is manifested through a thriving culture of volunteerism. In 2025, 20% of those surveyed reported engaging in unpaid voluntary work, with 14% of them volunteering at least 30 times in 2025 — figures that exceed both European (11%) and global (7%) averages, underscoring a notable dedication to community support. It is also important to note that only 15% cite religion as a motivation for giving — a stark contrast to the global average of 33%. This finding illustrates a uniquely secular approach to generosity in France, where societal and community ties increasingly replace religious motivations.
In summary, although economic factors may limit financial donations in France, the survey reveals a strong culture of volunteerism and commitment to transparency. By building trust and showing real impact, charities can inspire greater generosity and community engagement. As you explore the data below, I invite you to reflect on how these dynamics shape the public’s generosity and inspire greater support for civil society in France, Europe, and beyond. Although we live in a fractured world, hope and solutions can be found everywhere; this is good news!
How often did you give money away in 2025, either to charity, a person or family in need, or to a religious organisation?
The average proportion of income people gave to each of the three donation routes, and overall.
What would you say are the main reasons that you gave / did not give money away in 2025?
Which cause(s) did you donate to / do unpaid voluntary work for in 2025?
Of the total value of your donations to charities in 2025, approximately how much went to each of the following?
To what extent, if at all, have charities had a positive or negative impact in your local community, or have they made no difference?
For the last charity that you gave money to, how did you first find out about them?
How trustworthy do you tend to find each of these types of charities?
How could charities encourage you to donate in 2026?
Of the xx% that did unpaid, voluntary work in 2025 that benefitted people other than their family or friends, how many shifts did they do?
Think about the opportunities you have to get involved in making positive changes to society (whether locally or further afield). Which best describes your perspective?
"The Government encourages people to give to charity." Do you...
France's leading foundation.
Everyone has the power to act in the name of public interest. For 55 years, this conviction has been the driving force behind the Fondation de France’s action. Independent and private, Fondation de France acts thanks to the generosity of its donors.
Every day, it encourages, supports and transforms the desire to act into useful and effective action to build a more peaceful, united and sustainable world. Fondation de France has developed unique expertise, drawing on the best experts, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of people in the field, in all areas of public interest: aid for vulnerable people, medical research, the environment, culture, education, etc.
Along with the 982 foundations under its auspices, Fondation de France supports more than 12,000 projects every year, in France and beyond.
France's leading foundation.
Everyone has the power to act in the name of public interest. For 55 years, this conviction has been the driving force behind the Fondation de France’s action. Independent and private, Fondation de France acts thanks to the generosity of its donors.
Every day, it encourages, supports and transforms the desire to act into useful and effective action to build a more peaceful, united and sustainable world. Fondation de France has developed unique expertise, drawing on the best experts, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of people in the field, in all areas of public interest: aid for vulnerable people, medical research, the environment, culture, education, etc.
Along with the 982 foundations under its auspices, Fondation de France supports more than 12,000 projects every year, in France and beyond.
