Donations to French associations and foundations increased by 3.6% [1] in 2025 despite the pressures of inflation.
This trend highlights a shift in how the French public supports charitable causes. While the total amount of money flowing to nonprofits has risen, the donor base is shrinking, suggesting that a smaller group of people is giving larger sums.
Data indicates that the rise in total funding was driven largely by an increase in online donations [2]. These digital contributions helped offset a decline in traditional small-scale giving [2]. The shift toward digital platforms reflects a broader change in philanthropic behavior across France.
However, the growth in total value masks a decline in participation. The percentage of French citizens who made at least one donation dropped to 47% [3] in 2025, down from 52% [3] in 2024. This represents the lowest level of donor participation seen in six years [3].
The contradiction between rising total sums and falling participation rates suggests that inflation may be pricing out lower-income donors. While those with more disposable income continue to give, and some have increased their contributions, the broader population is less able to provide small, frequent donations.
Charitable organizations are now navigating a landscape where digital reach is critical for survival. The reliance on online tools has allowed foundations to maintain growth even as the number of active donors hits a multi-year low [2].
“Donations to French associations and foundations increased by 3.6% in 2025 despite the pressures of inflation.”
The divergence between total donation value and the number of donors indicates a growing 'philanthropic gap' in France. As inflation erodes the purchasing power of the working class, charitable giving is becoming more concentrated among wealthier individuals. For nonprofits, this means a strategic pivot toward digital fundraising is no longer optional, but a necessity to compensate for the loss of the traditional small-donor base.
