Impact of Ukraine war on French giving explored in study

Almost half – 46% – of French people have donated to help those impacted by the war in Ukraine (or wish to), according to figures from Fondation des Apprentis d’Auteuil. And, among the country’s highest earners this rises to 73%.

However, as a result 14% of these donors (and 32% of the high earners) plan to give less than usual to other causes.

Stéphane Dauge, director of fundraising and communication for Apprentis d’Auteuil, notes:

“Our fellow citizens are once again showing that they are there when a crisis occurs. But in an anxiety-provoking context where deep crises follow one another, it is essential that the most fragile among us are not doubly penalised.”

Apprentis d’Auteuil surveyed 1,000 people for the third edition of its Generosity Barometer, focusing in particular on 500 people with a net annual household income over €120,000.

Overall, it found that donation intentions remain fairly stable for all French people, with half saying they planned to donate during the remainder of the year in March 2022. This is the same as a year ago. Again though this rises among high earners, with 82% of this group stating an intention to give.

For those who think they are likely to donate less in 2022, the rise in prices and drop in purchasing power are the biggest issues.

Donation intentions for the remainder of 2022

Despite the current crises, ‘traditional’ causes remain popular. Health and medical research remain top of the list for those intending to donate this year:

1. 32% intend to give to health and medical research
2. 27% to poverty relief
3. 27% to emergencies
4. 20% to animal-related causes
5. 17% to childhood, youth and education

These are all slightly lower than the previous year, except for emergencies, which is a new entrant in the top five.