The World Giving Index 2023 provides a global perspective on generosity by analyzing charitable activities across 142 countries.
- Global Giving Trends:
- 72% of the world's adult population (equivalent to 4.2 billion people) engaged in giving behaviors in 2022, which includes donating money, helping strangers, or volunteering time.
- The global World Giving Index score for 2022 is 39, just one point lower than the peak recorded in 2021. This suggests that the heightened generosity seen during the COVID-19 pandemic has largely been sustained.
- Top 10 Most Generous Countries:
- Indonesia ranks as the world's most generous country with a score of 68. This is the sixth consecutive year Indonesia has topped the list.
- Ukraine saw the most significant year-on-year increase in generosity, rising to the second position with a score of 62.
- Kenya is ranked third with a score of 60.
- Key Behaviors:
- The Index measures three key behaviors: helping a stranger, donating money, and volunteering time.
- Indonesia: 82% donated money, 61% helped a stranger, and 61% volunteered time.
- Ukraine: 70% donated money, 78% helped a stranger, and 37% volunteered time.
- Kenya: 53% donated money, 76% helped a stranger, and 51% volunteered time.
- Global Participation by Activity:
- Helping a Stranger: This was the most common giving behavior, with 49% of adults globally participating.
- Donating Money: 29% of adults donated money.
- Volunteering Time: 21% of adults volunteered time to an organization.
- Top Performers in Specific Behaviors:
- Myanmar ranks first in donating money, with 83% of adults having donated.
- Liberia leads in volunteering time, with 65% of adults having volunteered.
- Nigeria and Kuwait are among the top performers in helping strangers, with 79% of adults in both countries participating.
- Country-Specific Highlights:
- The United States ranks 5th overall, with 76% helping a stranger, 61% donating money, and 38% volunteering time.
- New Zealand ranks 10th, with 65% helping a stranger, 58% donating money, and 35% volunteering time.
The World Giving Index 2023 and the global generosity
The World Giving Index 2023 illustrates that generosity is a global phenomenon, deeply ingrained in human behavior, and plays a critical role in connecting communities and supporting those in need, regardless of the prevailing global circumstances.
- Sustained Generosity Post-Pandemic:
- The high levels of giving seen during the COVID-19 pandemic have largely been maintained globally. Despite the challenges and global instability, a significant portion of the world's population continues to engage in acts of generosity.
- Global Participation in Giving:
- A substantial 72% of the world's adult population participated in some form of giving in 2022, whether through donating money, helping a stranger, or volunteering time. This indicates a widespread commitment to helping others across different cultures and countries.
- Diverse Leadership in Generosity:
- The most generous countries span various regions, cultures, and economic statuses. Indonesia, Ukraine, and Kenya, for example, lead the Index, demonstrating that generosity is not confined to wealthier nations but is a universal human behavior.
- Behavioral Patterns:
- Helping a stranger is the most common form of generosity globally, followed by donating money and volunteering time. This suggests that people are more inclined to offer immediate assistance to those in need, possibly due to the visible and direct impact of such actions.
- Impact of Religion and Life Satisfaction:
- The report highlights that individuals who consider religion important in their lives are more likely to be generous. Additionally, there is a link between life satisfaction and the likelihood of donating money, indicating that happier people may be more inclined to give.
- Geopolitical Influence on Giving:
- Ukraine's significant rise in the Index, attributed to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, demonstrates how geopolitical situations can influence national giving behaviors. During times of crisis, communities often show increased solidarity and support.
- Call to Action:
- The report urges governments and civil society organizations to support and encourage giving. This includes creating an enabling environment for philanthropy, fostering trust, and building resilient communities that can better withstand social and environmental challenges.