In 2021, the French were (a little) more generous than in other years. But which associations have benefited the most from this surge of solidarity?
Last year, the French gave between 5.3 and €5.5 billion, according to the 27th edition of the barometer of experts from the “Research and Solidarity” network on the generosity of the French. Over 1 year, the amount of declared donations has thus increased by 1.9%despite a strained economic environment.
On the other hand, after increasing 3.4% in 2020, the number of donor households fell by 1.9% in 2021. Overall, less than one taxable household in five declared a donation. This decline is particularly marked among the highest earners (those who earn more than 78,000 euros per year). They were 42% to be donated in 2020. Twelve months later, there are only 40%.
“Faced with this figure, we can be quite annoyed, and say that the majority of wealthy people are selfish and individualistic. But we can also see this figure as a message of hope, because it shows a reserve of generosity important”, comments Sophie Rieunier, member of the R&S Committee of Experts. Another encouraging sign: the average annual donation increased by 570 at 591 euros.
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Awards 2021
Restos du Coeur, Catholic Relief Services, Red Cross, AFM-Telethon, Doctors Without Borders (MSF): the five charities that received the most donations from individuals in 2021 remain the same as last year.
However, these associations are not the only ones to benefit from the generosity of the French. For proof: €1.26 billion collected by the 40 largest French associations in 2021 represent less than 25% of the total amount given by the French.
Here is, in order, the list of the 15 associations that received the most donations in 2021:
- Food from the heart
- French Association against Myopathies
- Catholic Relief
- Red Cross
- Doctors Without Borders
- French Committee for Unicef
- National Cancer League
- Action against Hunger
- Doctors of the World
- Islamic Relief
- Abbé Pierre Foundation for Housing the Disadvantaged
- Apprentices from Auteuil
- International Handicap – Association
- People Relief
- Animal protection Society
In detail, donations collected by associations dedicated to social and charitable action fell by 4% in 2021. Medical research, for its part, saw its collection drop by 1%the large donations mobilized in 2020 to finance research on the coronavirus not having been renewed the following year.
On the other hand, associations helping sick or disabled people have received 10% more donations than 12 months ago. After an already exceptional 2020 (+17%), environmental defense associations have also seen their fundraising increase. 5% in 2021. Despite these increases, no green association manages to climb into the top 15 this year.
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