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Greece’s giving landscape reflects a strong culture of informal solidarity, combined with structural challenges in institutional philanthropy. In 2025, more than half of respondents (56%) engaged in at least one form of giving, yet the majority of donations (53%) were directed straight to people in need rather than to charities (35%). This pattern highlights the persistence of trust being placed in direct, interpersonal support, particularly in times of economic pressure.
At the same time, giving levels remain comparatively low, with total donations representing just 0.6% of income, below the global average. Trust also appears uneven: while local organisations are perceived as more trustworthy, only a small proportion of respondents believe charities have a strongly positive impact in their communities.
Importantly, there is clear untapped potential for greater engagement. A significant share of people would like to contribute more but face barriers such as lack of time or limited awareness of opportunities. The data suggests that increasing transparency, clearly communicating impact, and strengthening connections with local communities could play a critical role in unlocking this potential and fostering a more structured culture of giving in Greece.
How often did you give money away in 2025, either to charity, a person or family in need, or to a religious organisation?
The average proportion of income people gave to each of the three donation routes, and overall.
What would you say are the main reasons that you gave / did not give money away in 2025?
Which cause(s) did you donate to / do unpaid voluntary work for in 2025?
Of the total value of your donations to charities in 2025, approximately how much went to each of the following?
To what extent, if at all, have charities had a positive or negative impact in your local community, or have they made no difference?
For the last charity that you gave money to, how did you first find out about them?
How trustworthy do you tend to find each of these types of charities?
How could charities encourage you to donate in 2026?
Of the xx% that did unpaid, voluntary work in 2025 that benefitted people other than their family or friends, how many shifts did they do?
Think about the opportunities you have to get involved in making positive changes to society (whether locally or further afield). Which best describes your perspective?
"The Government encourages people to give to charity." Do you...
Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability
HIGGS is based in Athens, Greece, founded in 2016 with the vision to strengthen Civil Society in the country through education, capacity-building, and collaboration.
HIGGS core mission is to support charities and social enterprises in becoming more effective, sustainable, and impactful in their missions. We believe that social change is driven by empowered organisations that have access to knowledge, resources, and strategic partnerships.
We deliver accelerator and incubator programmes, offer expert mentoring, and facilitate access to funding and partnerships. HIGGS also promotes a culture of philanthropy, civic participation, and collaboration between the non-profit, public, and private sectors.
Since its founding, HIGGS has supported more than 268 organisations across Greece, helping them grow their capacity, strengthen their voice, and increase their social impact. Through research, innovation, and advocacy, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society.
Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability
HIGGS is based in Athens, Greece, founded in 2016 with the vision to strengthen Civil Society in the country through education, capacity-building, and collaboration.
HIGGS core mission is to support charities and social enterprises in becoming more effective, sustainable, and impactful in their missions. We believe that social change is driven by empowered organisations that have access to knowledge, resources, and strategic partnerships.
We deliver accelerator and incubator programmes, offer expert mentoring, and facilitate access to funding and partnerships. HIGGS also promotes a culture of philanthropy, civic participation, and collaboration between the non-profit, public, and private sectors.
Since its founding, HIGGS has supported more than 268 organisations across Greece, helping them grow their capacity, strengthen their voice, and increase their social impact. Through research, innovation, and advocacy, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society.
