Swedish Women Lead in Charity as Men's Donations Decline

More than half of all Swedes have given money to a non-profit organization in the past six months, according to a survey by the industry organization Giva Sverige and Novus.

The number is, however, a decrease from how it looked in 2016, when the measurements started. Then, 63 percent of Swedes gave. The main reason people give for not giving anything is that they cannot afford it.

Self-playing piano

While the number of men who give has decreased significantly during the same period – from 63 percent to 46 percent this year – women's giving remains more stable at 60 percent compared to 66 percent in 2016.

The difference between the sexes may lie in that women are more often asked to give money, according to Charlotte Rydh, Secretary-General at Giva Sverige. And aid organizations often ask those who have already given money.

Then you ask the women again, it becomes like a self-playing piano, says Rydh.

On the other hand, Giva Sverige's surveys show that men to a greater extent than women increased their giving in connection with Russia's invasion war against Ukraine in 2022.

Since it was something that lay close to men's hearts. There is an important task ahead for many organizations to actually turn to men more, she says.

More elderly give

Elderly people are giving more and more, according to the survey. About 70 percent of those between 65 and 79 years old have supported an organization financially in the past six months. Giving among the elderly decreased during the pandemic, but is on the rise again.

Among young people, charity has not taken off again after the pandemic and the subsequent recession. Before that, about 50 percent of those between 18 and 29 years old gave money – now the figure is around 35 percent.