As the year draws to a close, we take a closer look at how French and American generosity has evolved last year. In partnership with Fondation de France, the CAF World Giving Report offers rich insight into the trends and characteristics that define French giving—and how they compare to giving patterns in the United States.
The World Giving Report measures giving behaviors and opinions in 101 countries, from financial contributions and volunteer time to everyday acts of kindness. These findings allow us to better understand how beliefs, motivations, and priorities shape giving around the world.
What can we learn from the latest data about the shared spirit of generosity in France and the U.S., and how can these insights strengthen French-American philanthropy as we look ahead to 2026?
Explore the last year in French and American generosity, and see how supporting vetted nonprofits, fostering trust, and combining resources can strengthen shared missions and tackle global challenges together.
France: Strong Civic Participation and a Deeply Rooted Nonprofit Ecosystem
In France, where the welfare state is stronger, individuals donate less money than the global average (46% vs. 59%). Yet the French display notable civic engagement: they are more likely to volunteer than their European neighbors (20% vs. 18%). Younger generations in France stand out for their commitment: they give a larger share of their income, volunteer more frequently, and are more inclined to support strangers.
Charitable giving is central to France’s culture of solidarity—54.7% of donations go to nonprofits, whereas the largest global average proportion of donations went toward direct support for individuals in need. This reflects the strength of France’s remarkably dynamic nonprofit ecosystem, where more than 1.6 million organizations operate across virtually every issue.
United States: Generous Giving Rates and Strong Local Engagement
In the U.S., 61% of respondents donated money in 2024, and 20% volunteered their time. Of the total money donated, 43% went to charities. American donors are strongly motivated by personal connection: 74% give because they care deeply about a cause, compared to 65% globally and 61% in France. Levels of trust remain high in local nonprofits, with 84% reporting they trust these organizations, while international charities must work harder to earn their confidence (51%).
Overall, 44% of American donors supported poverty alleviation in some form, and 39% funded health-related causes. While only 8% reported giving to international charities, this still amounted to $35.54 billion in 2024 according to the USA Giving Report, a 14% increase from the previous year.
How French-American Philanthropy Meets These Priorities
The responses reflect a shared commitment to large-scale challenges, including poverty alleviation, health, and humanitarian response. What France and the U.S. also share is the belief that charities and nonprofits drive lasting, impactful solutions. Together, we can take them further.
France is a global leader in medical research, with hospitals, research centers, and institutes ranked among the best in the world. Supporting research is a vital step in improving and developing new treatments that benefit patients across borders. Through Friends of Fondation de France, it is possible to support 20 projects abroad pioneering health and medical research, spanning revolutionary genetic disorder diagnostics, cutting-edge cancer research, improved fetal imaging, streamlining patient care for better health outcomes, and more.
Targeting both the root causes and consequences of poverty, many of our partners address economic and social exclusion through projects that range from providing access to free resources and professional development, youth education and training, and locally-driven solutions around the world.
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Cross-border giving accelerates solutions that no single country can accomplish alone. But trust and accountability are essential in ensuring this support goes as far as possible. Friends of Fondation de France helps U.S. donors support carefully vetted nonprofits abroad that bring innovative, scalable approaches to shared challenges and concerns–all while enjoying tax benefits to the full extent of the law.
As you plan your year-end giving, remember that tax-deductible gifts for the 2025 tax year must be made by December 31. By supporting our rigorously vetted nonprofit partners abroad, you strengthen the future of French-American philanthropy—and help build shared solutions to global challenges in 2026 and beyond.
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