60% of Belgians have donated to a charity in 2025, representing a four-percentage-point increase from 2022. This is according to the latest philanthropy barometer published by the King Baudouin Foundation.
Belgians giving culture endures as donors defy tax cuts
The change is too small to be considered statistically significant, but the data reveal a resilient giving culture. Dutch-speaking, highly educated individuals aged 35 and over most commonly make donations, typically contributing up to 250 euros.
More than six in ten respondents support charities on a long-term basis. This is fewer than four in ten who donate primarily in response to disasters.
Health and medical research attracts the most support, with 64 per cent of donors citing it as their preferred cause. Humanitarian and development aid follows at 53 per cent, and poverty alleviation and social justice at 46 per cent.
Austerity measure reduces tax deduction to 30%
Donations above 40 euros previously qualified for a 45 per cent tax deduction. However, as part of a series of austerity measures, the federal government recently reduced the incentive to 30 per cent, effective from January 2025.
Additionally, the full impact of this change will only become clear once the Federal Public Service Finance releases tax data for the year.
The survey further suggests the tax cut may have little effect on donor motivation. A large majority of respondents, 78 per cent, believe charitable giving contributes to a better world.
“While 75 per cent consider donations even more important in light of current events. Just under half, 44 per cent, view giving as a moral duty,” the survey stated.
The philanthropy barometer, published every three years, combines data from the National Bank of Belgium, the Federal Public Service Economy, and FPS Finance with a survey of 1,000 Belgians.
In a separate development, a decade-long legal battle over comedian Sean Hughes’ charity will has finally been concluded. His £4 million property portfolio is now officially passing to the homelessness charity, Shelter.