LONDON, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A groundbreaking study by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has uncovered a surprising trend in global philanthropy: people in low-income countries are twice as generous as their counterparts in high-income nations when it comes to supporting those in need and charitable causes.
The CAF’s latest World Giving Report, drawing insights from over 50,000 respondents across 101 countries, introduces a novel generosity measure. This metric compares nations by assessing charitable donations as a percentage of income, offering a nuanced view of global giving patterns.
The findings are striking: residents of low-income countries donate an average of 1.45% of their income to good causes, significantly outpacing high-income nations, which contribute just 0.7%. The disparity is even more pronounced when comparing continents, with Africans donating an average of 1.54% of their income, while Europeans give a mere 0.64%.
Nigeria emerges as the world’s most generous nation, with its citizens donating an impressive 2.83% of their income to charities, religious organizations, or individuals in need. In stark contrast, three G7 countries – France, Germany, and Japan – rank among the least generous, with donation levels of 0.45%, 0.39%, and 0.16% respectively.
Age also plays a role in giving patterns. Globally, individuals aged 35-44 donate nearly 1.5 times more of their income than those over 65, contributing 1.18% compared to 0.83%.
Children and young people remain the most popular cause worldwide, garnering support from 29% of donors across all continents. Humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts follow closely, with one in four donors (26%) supporting these causes. Interestingly, environmental initiatives find their strongest backing in Asia, with 16% of donors supporting such causes.
The study reveals that the primary motivation for giving is the desire to make a difference in a cause close to the donor’s heart, cited by 65% of respondents. News coverage influences nearly a fifth (18%) of donors, while social media has emerged as the top platform for discovering new charities, influencing 14% of donors.
Trust in charities follows a clear pattern: local organizations are most valued, followed by national and then international charities. The research also highlights a correlation between government encouragement of charitable giving and increased generosity among citizens. Such encouragement not only boosts donations but also enhances public trust in government and perception of its importance to society.
Neil Heslop, CAF’s Chief Executive, offered his perspective on the findings: {vi18}
“Social purpose organizations worldwide are facing unprecedented financial challenges. As governments scale back aid and development spending, traditional funding models are being forced to evolve. The philanthropy sector must adapt quickly to these changing dynamics.
“While individual giving remains the bedrock of charitable support, we’re seeing stark disparities globally. Paradoxically, some of the most vibrant giving cultures are found in countries where populations themselves are in great need.
“It’s crucial to note that generosity isn’t necessarily tied to wealth or security. Instead, it’s often driven by the perception of necessity – we tend to see those closest to us as most in need. These challenging times offer valuable lessons about the power of human connection and the nature of compassion, whether it’s directed across the street or across the globe.”
For more comprehensive information on this groundbreaking study, please visit www.worldgivingreport.org.
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