The generosity market - France

Since 2020, the generosity market in France and globally has demonstrated significant trends in both individual and corporate giving. Individual donations in France rose by 1% in 2022, a modest increase compared to the average 10% rise seen in high-income countries. Despite witnessing a drop in the number of donor tax households by 1.9%, the actual amount donated increased proportionally. The year 2020 saw a spike of 7.1% in donations, largely fueled by the French public's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when over 200 million euros were raised by just five healthcare organizations. In terms of corporate giving, French companies continued a decade of growth, with a doubling of donations within ten years. The French market for donations was estimated between 5.3 and 5.5 billion euros in 2021.

New trends in the market include a surge in digital fundraising, with the adoption of events such as Giving Tuesday, which raised over 4.3 million euros in 2022. Furthermore, charity streaming events like ZEvent are gaining traction, with the 2022 edition alone raising tens of millions of euros. Despite the increased cost of living and high inflation rates since the start of the war in Ukraine, the French have continued to show solidarity with Ukraine, ranking 11th in donations to the country. The giving landscape in France is supported by a robust non-profit sector with between 1.4 and 1.5 million active associations and 12.5 million volunteers as of 2022. The regulatory environment encourages donations through tax relief, offering reductions of 66% up to 20% of taxable income for general interest donations, and 75% relief for amounts up to €1,000 to organizations aiding people in difficulty.

Trends and Dynamics in the French Generosity Market

The French generosity market has been experiencing steady yet nuanced growth, influenced by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors that shape the behavior of donors. Analyzing the demand within this market reveals a complex interplay between socioeconomic factors, seasonal trends, and the impact of special events on donor interest and generosity. In recent years, the French generosity market has witnessed a modest rise, with individual donations ascending from EUR 2.84 billion to around EUR 2.87 billion. This increase, albeit marginal, signifies an ongoing commitment to charitable giving among French individuals. It's important to note that high-income countries, including France, have reported an average growth in donation rates around 10%.

A deeper look at donor behavior reveals a shift towards larger one-off donations. For instance, funds from small donations, which represented 73% of the total in 2004, have now contracted to account for approximately 41.7%. This indicates an inclination towards higher-value contributions. Interestingly, the average donation size by individuals has grown, with a noticeable hike of nearly EUR 200 in less than a decade. The preferred method of donation is evolving, with direct debit donations becoming more popular, accounting for 41.5% of the contributions received by associations and foundations. However, the entry of new donors into the market has dwindled over the years, as exhibited by a decrease of over 11% in new donors per organization from 2012 to 2022.

Regarding donor demographics, higher net monthly household incomes correspond with a greater propensity to donate, and retired individuals appear to constitute a significant proportion of the donor community. The manner of donation also influences the amount, with direct debits yielding higher average donations compared to other payment methods. The market is influenced by cyclical factors, with a substantial escalation in donations during the last quarter of the year, especially in December.

Economic conditions, such as inflation, play a decisive role in shaping the capacity and willingness to donate. With inflation reaching high levels, particularly during periods of geopolitical tension like the war in Ukraine, there has been a noticeable correlation between reduced purchasing power and decreased donation activity. Despite this, specific events like the pandemic of 2020 and the Ukrainian crisis have prompted unprecedented surges in donations, reflecting the French public's responsiveness to global and social crises. The structure of the market is also evolving, with the non-profit sector encompassing between 1.4 and 1.5 million associations.

Prominent Figures in the French Generosity Market: Associations and Foundations Fueling Philanthropy

Within the landscape of the French generosity market, there are several notable organizations that stand out for their contributions to various causes, from social welfare to medical research. Each of these entities has managed to carve out a significant presence through effective fundraising campaigns and a strong connection with donors.

• Restos du Coeur Founded by the comedian Coluche in 1985, Restos du Coeur has become a beacon of hope for people in need. This charity focuses on providing food assistance and social integration services. Its annual winter food distribution campaign has become a symbol of solidarity in France.
• French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM) Best known for organizing the annual Telethon, AFM has made significant strides in funding research for genetic disorders. Through its highly publicized Telethon, it has ingrained itself in the public consciousness as a leading force in the medical charities field.
• Secours Catholique (Caritas France) Part of the global Caritas network, Secours Catholique fights against all forms of poverty and social exclusion. It offers assistance to those in need without discrimination, fostering community support and care for the vulnerable.
• Red Cross France The internationally recognized French Red Cross participates in both national and international missions to provide emergency response, healthcare, and social welfare services. Its widespread recognition and trusted reputation make it a key player in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Well-known for its work in crisis zones, MSF, or Doctors Without Borders, delivers emergency medical aid worldwide. Its actions in conflict zones and areas affected by diseases and natural disasters have saved countless lives.
• French Committee for UNICEF As the French branch of the United Nations Children's Fund, this committee works to ensure that children's rights are respected and that they have access to healthcare, education, and protection from exploitation and abuse.
• Ligue Nationale contre le cancer Dedicated to the fight against cancer, this nonprofit organization focuses on research, patient support, prevention, and health promotion. It is an important fundraiser for cancer research in France.
• Action Against Hunger A global humanitarian organization, Action Against Hunger tackles the causes and effects of hunger and diseases that threaten the lives of vulnerable children, women, and men.
• Médecins du Monde Another global medical humanitarian organization, Médecins du Monde, or Doctors of the World, offers care to populations in distress and fights

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 29/08/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Growth in the proportion of the world's population making a monetary donation
• Ranking of the world's ten most generous nations
• Total donations declared by taxable and non-taxable households
• Evolution of corporate philanthropy
• Share of donors by net monthly household income in 2020
• Change in the average amount of donations declared annually
• Donors by socio-professional category
• Average donation amount by payment method
• Breakdown of one-off donations by amount
• Inflation trend
• Breakdown of French donations to Ukraine
• Share of one-time and direct debit donations by quarter
• Donors by area of activity
• Associations by sector of activity
• Number of associations created
• Number of volunteers who completed a mission during the year
• Change in the number of associative employer establishments
• Amount raised for the Telethon each year
• Evolution of the amount collected by ZEvent