The State of Philanthropy in Greece: Insights for US Diaspora Donors

Philanthropy in Greece is experiencing a new rise, with more people seeking trustworthy ways to support those in need.

According to the World Giving Index 2024 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), Greece showed the largest global increase in philanthropy, raising its score by 15 points compared to last year.

To be fair, the report notes Greece had the biggest growth in participation worldwide but does not explain reasons for the low overall participation.

Still, Greece remains at very low levels, with only 15% of adults donating money to charity—similar to Armenia, Moldova, and Poland.

For comparison, Romania stands at 18%, Croatia at 17%, Lebanon and Portugal at 21%, Turkey at 22% alongside Argentina, Mexico, and Bolivia, while Bulgaria is at 23%.

On the other hand, 43% of Serbian adults donate to charity and 40% of Cypriots.

Top philanthropy leaders include Indonesia with 90%, Myanmar at 78%, Malta at 74%, Iceland at 71%, and Singapore at 68%.

Despite this, the rise shows that solidarity and giving are increasingly core values in Greek society.

Key Factors Driving the Rise in Greek Philanthropy

1. Helping Strangers
   Greece made impressive progress in “helping strangers,” surpassing the European average. Many Greeks, especially young people, engage in everyday acts of kindness—from supporting those in need to providing immediate crisis aid.

2. Increase in Monetary Donations
   Cash donations have grown significantly, with more Greeks supporting charities. Donors now prefer organizations that offer transparency and clear information about resource use.

3. Volunteering
   Volunteer participation is also trending upwards. More citizens dedicate time to social causes, from environmental initiatives to supporting vulnerable groups.

What This Rise Means for Society

• Cultural Shift: Philanthropy is no longer just about large donations; small acts of kindness have huge impact.
• Increased Awareness: People respond faster to others’ needs, especially during crises like natural disasters.
• Transparency and Trust: Donors seek organizations with clear operations and measurable impact.

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