DRK receives around one fifth less donations - German donations drop in 2025—but generous givers break records
Charitable giving in Germany has seen a notable shift in 2025. While fewer people are donating, those who do are giving more money than ever before. The first nine months of the year recorded a 14% drop in total contributions compared to 2024.
From January to September 2025, donations reached around 2.8 billion euros. This figure marks a decline of roughly 400 million euros from the same period last year. The German Donation Council points to rising living costs, inflation, and increased care expenses as key factors squeezing household budgets.
Despite the drop in overall donations, the average amount per contribution climbed to a record 41 euros. This suggests that while fewer individuals are donating, those who still give are contributing larger sums. The German Red Cross also reported a decline, with donations falling by about ten million euros in 2025. Experts note that many organisations rely heavily on the Christmas season, when giving traditionally peaks. Full-year figures will provide a clearer picture once the holiday period is accounted for. Donor fatigue may also play a role, as a relentless series of global crises has left many feeling overwhelmed. With budgets stretched thin, fewer people are able to contribute regularly.
The final donation totals for 2025 will depend heavily on the upcoming Christmas season. Charities are hoping for a strong finish to offset the year’s decline. For now, the trend shows fewer donors but higher individual contributions, reflecting both financial strain and continued generosity.
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