In 2022, a record number of Swedes donated money.
But as a result of higher interest rates and strained household finances, giving has decreased sharply, shows a report from the industry association Giva.
– Then it becomes a little where should I put my money, do I dare to continue giving? Says Charlotte Rydh, Secretary General of Give Sweden.
Major world events affect how willing we are to donate money. After the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, a record 13.1 billion kroner was donated. But in 2023, the figure was down to 11.5 billion – which is a twelve percent decrease, shows the report from the industry association Giva.
Swedes are willing to donate more money when the need for help is greatest. But the will to give is also affected by high interest rates and a strained household economy, which has caused many Swedes to hold tighter in their wallets.
– Then it becomes a little where should I put my money, do I dare to continue giving? I might give up right now, says Charlotte Rydh, secretary general of Giva Sweden.
“A problem”
The long-term trend is that gifts have increased thanks to, among other things, more people choosing to give larger sums.
– That giving has increased over time, we see that and that it continues. But due to inflation and the fact that there are fewer donors, the value of the gifts erodes. So it is unfortunately a problem for the organisations, says Charlotte Rydh.
Do you donate any money to charity?
– I don’t do that now. I have done. But not now. I’m retired so I save some money, says Kerstin Abrahamsson.
– No, that does not work. You have to think about the economy, says Bernt Overud.