France charitable donations decline amid eroding purchasing power

Average annual donations in France have decreased by 18 euros, falling from 222 euros to 204 euros in 2026, according to a report by Odoxa and Leetchi. This decline follows two consecutive years of increases and serves as an indicator of shrinking household purchasing power due to persistent inflation.

Approximately 33% of French citizens have reduced their contributions, with 86% of those respondents citing increased financial difficulties. The study notes that charitable giving is a discretionary expense that is often the first to be cut when budgets tighten. Fuel price increases are reported to affect 85% of the population.

Regional variations exist; in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the average donation is 173 euros, though this represents a 27-euro increase over the previous year. In the Drôme department, the association Restos du Cœur has observed a 5% to 6% drop in financial donations, as regular donors reduce monthly payments to manage the rising cost of living. While financial contributions are falling, food donations in Drôme remained stable with 60 tonnes collected in October.