Belgians gave less to charity last year

The number of Belgians giving money to charity dropped significantly last year, according to the Philanthropy Barometer and Index presented by the King Baudouin Foundation this week.

According to the barometer, 56% of Belgians made a donation in 2022, a substantial drop compared to 2019's figure of 63%.

The survey showed that the average donation made in 2022 was €250. More than three quarters of Belgians quoted in the survey stated that they believed that philanthropy contributed to a better world.

According to the index, the number of non-profit institutions increased through 2020, declining slightly in 2021. While membership fees and donations fell slightly, income from bequests rose in 2021.

Donors’ favourite causes are reportedly health and medical research, the fight against poverty and humanitarian operations and development aid.