Environmental causes growing in popularity amongst French givers

People in France are giving less but environmental causes are growing in popularity, according to the second edition of the Observatoire des Génerities conducted by Odoxa for Leetchi, France Bleu and Le Parisien.

Odoxa surveyed 3000 people and found that generosity in all of its forms had declined between 2018 and 2019, with French people giving on average 21 euros less: from €245 over the year down to €225.

Associations and foundations remain the biggest recipients of this money with 41% saying they donate to them once a year, compared to almost half (49%) last year. Fewer also gave to those in difficulty: 52% gave the financial support to a relative last year against 34% this year, while giving direct financial assistance to a stranger also dropped, by 13%, to 26% of those surveyed in 2019.

Less people also gave donations in kind: 77% compared to 84% last year, with food donations seeing the biggest decline (-12%).

33% of respondents admitted to giving less this year, and only 7% said they had given more. Reasons for giving less included doubts about how donations were used (59%), and being asked too much (56%). The changes in tax laws were mentioned by over a quarter of respondents (28%).

The survey also asked why those who had given more had done so. The main reason given was having been particularly affected by a cause, followed by having more money, and being asked by an acquaintance. Tax incentives also played a part for 31%.

In terms of causes supported, medical research, poverty, and childhood still top the list of favourites although each saw a slight drop in popularity, while giving to environmental and animal protection causes is increasing.

This news comes as further research shows that French giving to associations and foundations are as much about trust as generosity.