In a commendable display of generosity, individuals, companies, and foundations rallied together to donate a staggering CZK 15.4 billion for charitable causes in the Czech Republic last year. This notable increase of over CZK 3 billion compared to the previous year underscores the nation’s commitment to philanthropy, as revealed by Klara Splichalova, the director of the Donors Forum, during a press briefing today.

Despite the overall upswing in charitable giving, a concerning trend emerged as non-profit organizations, particularly in the regions, faced a significant drop in funding. An alarming 42% of these organizations reported a decline in donations, highlighting potential challenges in sustaining their crucial missions.

Jitka Seitlova, the deputy chair of the Senate, emphasized the pivotal role of NGOs in civil society, expressing optimism that the Czech tradition of aiding others will persist in the years to come. The 13th annual Donor Summit, titled ‘Courage for Responsibility, Sustainability, and Philanthropy,’ hosted by the Senate, reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering a culture of giving and social responsibility.

Splichalova elucidated on the distribution of donations, noting that individual donors predominantly support those in need and individuals with disabilities, contributing approximately CZK 3.9 billion. Companies emerged as significant contributors to education and science, with a noteworthy CZK 7.8 billion donated in 2022, while foundations and endowments added CZK 3.7 billion to the charitable pool.

However, Splichalova underscored the issue of disproportionate support, emphasizing that smaller non-profit organizations faced challenges due to the economic crisis. The Donors Forum highlighted a concerning trend where a growing number of people are donating less to charity, with one-third expecting to reduce their contributions next year.

Despite the challenges, Splichalova stressed the importance of long-term donations, citing their recent growth, particularly among the youth. She acknowledged the critical role played by media support and strong partnerships in securing funding for projects, especially those addressing complex issues such as human rights and asylum care.

The overall charitable contributions for the year encompassed support for Ukraine, reflecting a significant wave of solidarity with media attention directed at aiding the nation’s defense against Russia. In conclusion, Splichalova urged a sustained commitment to philanthropy, recognizing its indispensable role in addressing pressing social issues and fostering a compassionate society.

Article by Prague Forum