It's historic and… heartwarming in these painful times!
Never, during the first six months of the year, had the French had so much control over their hearts.
Donations to associations and foundations appealing to philanthropy jumped 22% in the first half of 2020 compared to that of 2019 if we are to believe the Barometer of generosity that we unveil.
A massive increase which means that in terms of volumes, the donations received have never been so important for this period.
This survey, orchestrated by the France Générosités union, was conducted among a very diverse panel of 44 member associations and foundations.
Among them, the Institut Curie, the Institut Pasteur, the Paris Hospitals Foundation, AIDES, the Secours populaire, the Apprentis d'Auteuil, the Little Brothers of the Poor, the Abbé Pierre Foundation, the WWF, Unicef, the Notre-Dame foundation, the SPA, Handicap International or even Action contre la Faim.
"We were afraid that it would be the hecatomb"
In detail, one-off donations increased by 40% in the first half of the year, while those through direct debit showed growth of 5%.
Online donations, boosted by confinement, have exploded: + 230%.
All social classes have got their hands on the wallet.
"It is not only the rich who have contributed to this tremendous momentum", applauds Pierre Siquier.
Thus, donations of less than 150 euros, up 30%, represent almost half (45%) of the total amount of donations received in the first semester.
Three weeks ago, an Odoxa survey for Leetchi online fundraisers showed that 8% of French people had made a donation in connection with the Covid-19.
This new study comes to measure precisely the surge in solidarity that goes beyond the strict framework of the pandemic.
“The Covid-19 is not just medical, it is a social problem.
The health crisis has given rise to questions, ”explains Pierre Siquier, president of France Générosités.
At Aide et Action, an international solidarity association working in the field of access to education, the faithful benefactors have also "strengthened their commitment" and "new audiences", with whom it will be necessary to "transform the trial", made a gesture.
In the end, donations there globally climbed by 4% in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019. “We are happy with this result, we were afraid that it would be a slaughter.
In times of crisis, donors show that we can always count on them, that they are there when we need them ”, thanks Vanessa Perrette, International Director of Development of Aide et Action.
"Above all, we must not lower our guard"
Organizations specializing in medical research such as those fighting against poverty in France, which launched, often with seriousness, appeals for generosity in the spring, were the most supported.
"The French are still mobilizing on publicized emergencies", analyzes Nolwenn Poupon, head of studies and communication at France Générosités, recalling that "we are all impacted" directly or indirectly by the epidemic.
On the other hand, for the sectors of culture, sport and associations living off “small events”, it is “much more difficult”.
It remains to be seen whether this flame of kindness will stay alight as the country faces a recession.
The coming weeks are decisive, the generosity of the French being very seasonal: 40% of the amounts of donations arrive, in fact, over the last three months of the year (of which more than half in December), that is to say as much as for everything. the first semester.
As Christmas approaches, many associations will launch their fundraising campaign.
“We must especially not lower our guard, the needs are increased tenfold today.
Most associations have already redistributed the influx of donations from the first half of the year, they have no advance, it is necessary to remain in the same mobilization ”, warns Pierre Siquier.
