The 10^th edition of the World Giving Index by the Charities Aid Foundations (CAF) has revealed that despite a growing culture of charitable giving across dozens of countries there has been a recent downward trend in giving behaviour in some of the world’s wealthiest places. The 10-year global study surveyed more than 1.3 million people in 128 countries.

The report also identifies a recent downward trend in donations in key countries with long histories of charitable giving, including the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland and the Netherlands where levels of individual giving are now lower than they were in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

The survey asked if people have helped a stranger, given money or volunteered for a good cause over the past month.  The report identifies the 10 most generous countries over the decade of research, along with the 10 least generous. It also lists the biggest risers over the course of the study and those countries that have dropped the most during that time.

The United States of America is the world’s most generous country and seven of the 10 most generous nations are among the world’s wealthiest but the top 10 list also includes less affluent nations such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

In the UK (ranked 7^th overall), its place on the World Giving Index peaked in 2011, 2013 and 2015, echoing the trend in other large economies. Half of the countries that have raised the most in the World Giving Index are from Asia, with Indonesia leading the way.

John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation said, ‘We are once again reminded of the kindness and generosity of people across the world as they dig deep despite uncertain times and significant geo-political unrest to give their time and money to help others.

‘In taking a step back and looking at giving trends over 10 years, we have created what we hope will serve as a roadmap to continue to grow giving in all its forms across the globe. There are areas of concern, but also key moments of hope in parts of the world that have overcome true hardship.

‘We know that there is no single solution to success. It is about hard work, shared values and knowing in ourselves the inherent benefit to all of us when we work to improve the lives of our friends and neighbours, and strangers who need our help.’

Read the full report here: http://www.cafonline.org