But who exactly are these "generous" people?
What is the profile of your donors? Who are you, generous patrons?
The importance of knowing a few figures in order to move forward simply but concretely in generosity!
In 2022, the total amount of donations (from individuals and companies) was estimated at €9.2 billion, broken down as follows:
Donations from individuals were estimated at €5.4 billion (58% of total donations in France), with 5.5 million tax-paying households making donations. These donations were distributed as follows:
-€3.6 billion in declared donations
-€456 million in undeclared donations
-€1.271 billion in bequests, donations, and life insurance policies
Corporate donations were estimated at 3.8 billion (42% of total donations in France) with 142,500 corporate sponsors (out of a total of 7,233,863 entities). Small businesses (fewer than 10 employees) and SMEs (fewer than 250 employees) are overwhelmingly committed, representing 97% of corporate sponsors.
The generosity of the French is mainly concentrated in the last quarter (calendar year), with 41% of donations in current euros (excluding emergencies). December remains "the" month of generosity, accounting for more than half of the last quarter's donations (56% of the 41% collected).
💡The average annual donation in 2024 is €364 (€2,322 for the wealthiest individuals).
🤔 What is the profile of the patrons?
– 72% of French people say they are occasional and/or regular donors to associations or foundations (in 2023)
– 80% of young people (aged 24-35) say they are occasional and/or regular donors (vs. 72% overall)
– 52% of French people say they made a donation in 2024 (51% in 2023)
– As many women as men say they are regular donors
Companies:
-88% of corporate sponsors operate at the local or regional level in 2023 (+12 points / 2021)
-25% of corporate sponsors operate at the national level (-11 points / 2021)
– 93% of corporate sponsors provide financial sponsorship
The goal is not to replace this essential profession, but to give you a practical tool to get started properly, structure your efforts, and lay the groundwork for recruitment when it becomes possible.
And what about the share of digital fundraising in all this?
In 2025, 47% of associations will use digital tools to seek funding and collect donations (23% in 2019, 27% in 2022).
Over the past five years, the proportion of online donations has been steadily increasing.
20% in 2019
26% in 2020
26% in 2021
27% in 2022
30% in 2023
33% in 2024
Digital accounts for 51% of one-time donations from 35-54 year olds.
Online donation collection: steady growth
Sources
Admical – Corporate Sponsorship Barometer 2024 (March 2025)
The Sponsorship Code, Juris Associations (2022)
France Générosités – Key figures on generosity in France in 2022 – National overview of generosity 2024
Challenges (07/2024) – Interview with Christian Winterberger (Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil)
Option Finance (2025) – Statistics on French companies
The role of digital technology in community projects in 2025 – State Secretariat for the Social and Solidarity Economy and Community Life / Local support system for the social and solidarity economy
