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Charitable Donations in Germany Surge to Over €14 Billion in 2024

Germany has experienced a notable increase in charitable donations in 2024, with a rise in both donor participation and average donation amounts, totaling over €14 billion.

    Key details

  • • Nearly half of German adults donated in 2024, up nearly 10% from the previous year.
  • • Average donation increased to €415, raising the total donations above €14 billion.
  • • Northern city-states like Hamburg and Bremen showed the highest donation rates.
  • • Main donation causes were disability aid, child and youth welfare, animal protection, and crisis relief.

Charitable donations in Germany have seen a significant rise in 2024, with nearly half of the population aged 18 and above reporting having donated, marking an increase of almost 10% compared to the previous year. The average donation amount also climbed to €415, up by €13 from 2023, resulting in an estimated total donation volume exceeding €14 billion.

Regional disparities were notable, with the northern city-states leading in donation rates. Hamburg topped the list where 64% of adults donated, followed by Bremen at 61%. In contrast, economically weaker states such as Brandenburg exhibited considerably lower donation rates, with just 37.5% of the population contributing.

The focus of donations mainly targeted social causes. People with disabilities or illnesses and child and youth welfare each received support from over 30% of donors. Animal protection was also a significant area, backed by 24% of donors. Additionally, donations were made to emergency relief for crisis regions and various environmental and nature conservation efforts.

This surge reflects an increased social engagement across Germany in 2024, highlighting the population's growing commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and pressing societal issues.

This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

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