Giving remains stable in Sweden for now despite signs of decline

A declining economy in Sweden is starting to impact giving, according to the latest quarterly statistics from Giva Sverige, with fewer people donating. However, those that do give, are giving more. As a result, income from regular giving has remained stable so far.

The report, Key figures for gifts Q2 2023, includes statistics on regular, one-off, and other gifts from the public made to Giva Sverige’s members. It also uses data from the last three years to compare Q2 with the same quarter in previous years.

Public giving beginning to falter

The data shows that in the first quarter of 2023, the economy had yet to show a clear impact on the public’s giving. However, since then the financial situation for households has continued to deteriorate. The impact is evident through a slight fall seen in the number of regular gifts received per organisation in Q2. Until then, the level had been stable for a year.

Giva Sverige says the increase in average gift size could have several reasons, including improved communication about tax reductions for certain sizes and types of gift.

Less confidence in seeing increased support from companies 

The economic effect is also visible in the forecast for 2023 for other donor categories. At the beginning of the year, Giva Sverige’s member organizations were optimistic that companies’ commitment and support would continue after a record year seen in 2022, when contributions to Giva Sverige’s member organizations increased by 69%.

However, the updated forecast half a year into 2023 shows that two out of ten have lowered their forecast for corporate gifts and contributions from an increase to remaining unchanged. Four out of ten are optimistic that they will see increased giving from the public.

Picture by ChristophMeinersmann on Pixabay