More people giving in Sweden – but still fewer than a decade ago

Just over half (53%) of Swedes donate money to nonprofit organizations, according to Giva Sverige’s latest Swedish Giving 2025 report, up from 50% in 2024 – but still below the 63% who gave ten years ago when the annual survey started.

1 in 4 (24%) give every month, and the report also reveals that older people are giving more, which it says can be partly explained by improved economic conditions such as increased pensions in 2024.

Giving is lower among young Swedes and people with a low income – 60% of 18-34 year olds say they don’t donate money because they can’t afford it, compared to 31% of people aged 65-84.

The proportion of women who give to nonprofits remains the same as ten years ago, while among men it has fallen.

Charlotte Rydh, secretary general at Giva Sverige, comments:

“It is gratifying to see an increase in the proportion of Swedes who give, even though we are still some way from reaching previous levels. At the same time, total funds raised are increasing, which shows that existing donors are giving more. Long-term support from donors is crucial for nonprofit organizations to be able to meet the enormous needs both in Sweden and globally.

“We see that older people who previously reduced their giving now have the opportunity to contribute again and choose to do so, which is gratifying. However, nonprofit organizations need to work more to reach younger generations.”

The most popular causes, as in previous reports, are international aid, and research.

Overall, more than half of those questioned for the report said they planned to give in 2025, and 8 out of 10 Swedes have a positive image of nonprofit organizations – stable since 2016.

The report also shows that on average, Swedes believe that 58 kronor out of a hundred kronor goes to the cause, but that a reasonable level should be 83 kronor. This is slightly above the level required of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations by tax legislation, which is 75-80% of a donation.

Rydh adds:

“It is clear that the public has high expectations of how donations are used, which is good. It should be easy to see the results and effects of the organizations’ work. Donors and other stakeholders should feel secure that the organizations have order in their operations and manage money well. You should simply feel secure with your giving.”

Giva Sverige partners with Novus to conduct the annual online survey, using Novus’s nationally representative Swedish panel of 18-84-year-olds. This year’s survey took place in January and February and includes a total of 1,043 interviews with a participation rate of 57%.