French solidarity under tension

“I want to be generous, but my wallet is not expandable.” Here, in a few words, the lessons that are going through the new barometer of solidarity published by the Apprentis Foundation of Auteuil. In an agonizing international context, marked by wars, financial instability and the fragility of democracies, 89% of respondents fear the geopolitical consequences.

“A figure that could have reached even higher levels if the study had been conducted after the customs advertisements announced by Donald Trump in the United States,” said Christian Wintenberger, director of the Bienfactor Relations to Apprentis in Auteuil behind the study. The concern is just as lively at the national level: 88 % of those questioned say they are concerned about political instability in France. Anxieties that Christian Wintenberger calls “existential”, gradually nourishing a withdrawal reflex. “Many choose to put aside for their loved ones or for the future,” he observes.

The most modest on the front line

If the intentions remain honorable – 52% of French people gave in 2024 – the average amount of donations decreases. € 364 in 2024, against € 371 in the previous year. Among the wealthiest, the drop is even clearer, with a decline of € 364 from average donations. “If the situation was getting worse, we would undoubtedly see a clearer drop,” he believes. People are forced to make choices. ”

And some choices are painful. This is the case of Paul, 26 years old. Liberal physiotherapist, he has long supported the spa. A cause that is close to his heart, and a gesture facilitated by the tax exemption implemented in France (donations to associations can give the right to a tax reduction of 66% to 75%).

But this year he gave up. “I earn a little less, and I no longer pay tax. The gift would have cost me full pot. I preferred to abstain. I feel guilty a little, but I first thought of myself … “A raw reality: the most modest, which do not benefit from any deduction, are the most weakened. Without tax sheet, no deduction …

The desire for donation remains

So, for the apprentices of Auteuil who have been working for more than 160 years for the education, training and integration of young people in difficulty, you have to adapt: ​​direct debit, pedagogy around tax advantages, support for donors.

There is no shortage of levers, and generosity continues. 55% of French people say they have given or want to give by the end of 2025, a stable level compared to last year, despite the dormant crises.