How Much Do Ordinary Indians Donate to Charity Each Year?

India's philanthropy landscape is more grassroots than previously thought, according to the How India Gives 2025 report from the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy (CSIP) at Ashoka University. It reveals that the majority of charitable giving stems from everyday household contributions rather than large corporate donations or billionaire pledges, with an estimated £6 billion given annually, predominantly in the form of food, clothing, and volunteering. This redefines the narrative surrounding Indian generosity, highlighting its local, relational, and culturally embedded nature.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The How India Gives 2025 report has emerged as a significant contribution to understanding the dynamics of philanthropy in India. Researchers conducted over 7,000 interviews across 20 states, revealing that 68% of respondents engage in some form of giving. This challenges the conventional wisdom that associates philanthropy primarily with wealthier individuals or institutional donors. Instead, the report underscores the role of ordinary households in shaping India's charitable landscape, positioning everyday generosity as a culturally embedded practice that transcends income levels.

Key takeaways

Everyday giving from households constitutes an estimated £6 billion annually in India.
Approximately 68% of respondents report some form of giving, with in-kind contributions being the most common.
Religious duty drives over 90% of giving motivations.

Timeline: how we got here

The report draws from years of evolving practices in philanthropy in India. Key milestones include:

2000: Emergence of structured Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India.
2015: The launch of various high-profile philanthropic foundations by Indian billionaires.
2023: Publication of the How India Gives 2025 report, which challenges existing narratives about giving in India.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The report highlights that household giving is not only significant but also integral to the social fabric of India. It showcases a shift in understanding from an elite-driven narrative to one that acknowledges the role of ordinary citizens in philanthropy.

What was already established

Previously, studies focused primarily on institutional giving and high-net-worth donations. The understanding of philanthropy in India was limited to those narratives, often overlooking grassroots contributions and informal giving.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK readers, this report offers insights into how philanthropy can be perceived and enacted in different cultural contexts. The findings suggest that a significant portion of charitable contributions comes from everyday individuals, which could influence how charities and NGOs approach fundraising and donor engagement.

Businesses and jobs

In the UK, NGOs might take cues from India's emphasis on localised giving, leading to potential shifts in strategy towards engaging everyday donors rather than relying solely on high-profile philanthropy. This could enhance community involvement and support for various initiatives.

Policy and regulation

As the UK continues to grapple with its philanthropic landscape, understanding the grassroots nature of giving in India may inform policies that encourage community-driven charity, potentially leading to a more equitable distribution of resources.

Numbers that matter

540 billion rupees (approximately £6 billion) is the estimated annual household giving in India.
68% of survey respondents report participating in some form of giving.
40-45% of giving is directed towards religious organisations.
About 48% of total giving is in-kind, primarily food and clothing.
Participation in giving rises from 50% at low income levels to 70-80% as income increases.

Definitions and jargon buster

Philanthropy: The desire to promote the welfare of others, often through charitable donations.
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): A business model where companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their operations.
Everyday giving: Informal donations made by individuals, often without the involvement of registered charities.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Charities in the UK may consider reassessing their outreach strategies to better tap into the everyday givers, potentially leading to increased community support.

Medium term (1–6 months)

NGOs could benefit from campaigns that highlight local giving initiatives, encouraging participation from individuals across various income levels.

Signals to watch

Trends in community-led fundraising efforts.
Changes in donor demographics and engagement strategies among charities.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the community to understand local needs and preferences.
Encourage small donations through accessible platforms.
Promote transparency in how funds are used.

Don’t

Rely solely on high-net-worth individuals for funding.
Neglect the importance of informal giving practices.
Overlook the potential of social media in facilitating local giving.

Checklist

Assess current fundraising strategies and their inclusivity.
Identify local giving opportunities and partnerships.
Evaluate community feedback on giving practices.
Monitor trends in household consumption and its impact on philanthropy.
Foster relationships with community leaders and influencers.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The findings from the report, while groundbreaking, come with uncertainties regarding the accuracy of self-reported data. Additionally, the motivations for giving can vary widely among individuals, and cultural factors might influence how data is interpreted. As such, while the report offers valuable insights, it should be considered alongside other research to form a comprehensive view of philanthropy in India.

Bottom line

The How India Gives 2025 report challenges traditional views of philanthropy, revealing a robust foundation of everyday generosity that plays a critical role in the social fabric of India. For UK charities and NGOs, this highlights the need for a more inclusive approach towards fundraising, recognising that grassroots contributions can significantly impact social initiatives.

FAQs

What is the main finding of the How India Gives 2025 report?

The report reveals that everyday household giving in India is vastly significant, estimated at £6 billion annually, challenging the narrative that philanthropy is primarily elite-driven.

How does household giving compare to corporate donations in India?

Household giving far exceeds corporate donations, with 68% of individuals reporting some form of giving, showcasing a broader base of participation.

What motivates people to give in India?

Over 90% of respondents cite a sense of religious duty as the primary motivation for their charitable contributions.