Sweden sees donations rise with sharp increase in company contributions

In Sweden, donations to nonprofit organisations reached €924 million (SEK 9.7 billion) in 2021, an increase of almost 5% compared with the previous year, according to Giva Sverige figures.

Its 2021 Giving in Figures report reveals that while the public’s generosity was responsible for providing stability during the first year of the pandemic, companies’ support has now recovered.

The total, which comes from gifts and grants, is €43 million (SEK 450 million) more than 2020. As in previous years, the most popular causes were children and young people, research and humanitarian aid.

Charlotte Rydh, Secretary General of Giva Sverige said:

“The Swedes have shown great commitment and a willingness to contribute to the nonprofit organisations’ work during the second year of the pandemic, which is fantastic to see. The public’s commitment and trust in civil society is great and stable, which we have also seen now after the invasion of Ukraine.”

While revenues from corporate gifts and grants had declined since 2019, slowing sharply during the first year of the pandemic, corporate support accounted for just over €95 million (SEK 1 billion) in 2021. This is an increase of 26% compared with 2020. Although a few large nonprofits were behind much of this rise, Giva Sverige’s figures show that organisations of all sizes received more revenue from companies.

Rydh added:

“Companies were more cautious during the first year of the pandemic, which was natural. It is gratifying to see that their involvement has now not only recovered but is back at 2018’s level. There are many societal challenges where collaborations and strategic partnerships between nonprofit organisations and companies can make a big difference.”

Overall, the report reveals, just over 60% of the nonprofits surveyed saw an increase in income from gifts, grants and collaborations in 2021, with 28% seeing a reduction.

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