Highlights
- A majority of survey respondents across six countries say they have either maintained or increased charitable giving in 2020 despite financial impacts of the pandemic
- Over three quarters (76 percent) of people surveyed said it is important to focus on people in need of help this Christmas
- Almost two thirds (63 percent) said they would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help others, rather than a traditional gift such as clothes or electronics
- A majority said they feel hopeful for 2021 following a difficult year
SEATTLE (Dec 10, 2020) –The results of a new multi-country survey commissioned by World Vision across ten1countries has found that despite a difficult year, many people are searching for ways to help or give back this Christmas season.
Despite the financial impacts of the pandemic, almost two thirds (63 percent) of respondents said they would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help others this Christmas, rather than a traditional gift. Many respondents said they have maintained or increased their charitable donations, with only India, Lebanon, and South Africa reporting a decrease in the overall numbers of people giving to charity, however 3 in 10 people in those countries have started to volunteer locally instead of donating.
More than 80 percent of Americans surveyed said people need to spend more time this Christmas focusing on those who need our help (homeless, vulnerable and elderly) while more than 70 percent said they would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else this Christmas season, rather than another traditional gift.
“We can all agree that 2020 has been a difficult year with plenty of things to pray about,” said Edgar Sandoval Sr., World Vision’s President and CEO. “Yet this survey proves that a generous spirit of giving is alive and well despite the challenges people are facing.”
Sandoval said he has seen a similar giving spirit with World Vision’s donors. In the past fiscal year (ended Sept. 30) the organization saw its highest donation dollars in World Vision U.S. history, driven primarily by public grants, Gift-in-Kind donations, and private revenue. This contributed to expanded partnerships with the U.S. government and the church to help those most in need. For example, through a USDA program called Farmers to Families, World Vision has partnered with more than 100 churches to distribute 1.6 million boxes of fresh meat, produce, and dairy to help 4 million people during 2020.
“We saw a strong response from our faithful donors who understand that for the world’s most vulnerable, the needs are greater now than ever. That has resulted in us being able to help more families worldwide avoid slipping back into extreme poverty,” Sandoval said. “We are grateful for our loyal supporters and donors from around the world who this year demonstrated their commitment to hope, justice and joy for all children.”
The survey also reveals that Americans are not the only ones committed to giving. In some of the countries worst affected by the pandemic or other catastrophes – South Africa, India, and Lebanon – people are thinking about helping others.
With the holiday season here and vaccines ready for distribution to millions, respondents said they feel hopeful that 2021 will be better than 2020 (67 percent) and we can put the worst of the pandemic behind us (69 percent.) South Africans are especially positive (90 percent hope 2021 will be better); 70 percent of Americans are hopeful that 2021 will be better than 2020 and British are most doubtful we’ve made it through the worst of the pandemic (however, more than half are still hopeful at 52 percent.)
The survey also found that the power of connection has been incredibly important for everyone this year with 70% stating that the thought of spending time with family and friends this Christmas is what is bringing them hope.
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.
Survey results reflect responses to a series of questions asked in nine countries by YouGov PLC between 19th November and 2nd December 2020 on behalf of World Vision International. The survey was conducted online and all figures have been weighted to be representative of adults 18+ in each country.
Statements marked * were also asked by an Ipsos poll in Canada conducted between October 30th- November 2nd, on behalf of World Vision Canada. A sample of 1,003 Canadians aged 18 years and over was interviewed.
The dates, countries and representative sample for the countries polled by YouGov are as follows:
- Australia: Total sample size was 1001 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th – 30th November 2020.
- France: Total sample size was 1015 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th – 26th November 2020.
- Germany: Total sample size was 2169 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th – 26th November 2020.
- India: Total sample size was 1001 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th – 29th November 2020.
- Lebanon: Total sample size was 263 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 25th November – 2nd December 2020.
- Mexico: Total sample size was 1013 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 23rd – 27th November 2020.
- South Africa: Total sample size was 902 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 23rd – 26th November 2020.
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Total sample size was 2114 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th – 20th November 2020.
- United States of America: Total sample size was 1186 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th – 23rd November 2020.
The survey questions were:
- This Christmas season, I’m hopeful we’ve made it through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic
- I’m finding hope in planning time with family and friends this Christmas season
- I would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else this Christmas season, rather than another traditional gift (e.g., clothes, electronics, books etc.) *
- We need to spend more time during the Christmas focusing on those who need our help (e.g., the homeless, vulnerable, elderly etc.) *
- The Christmas season will be a much-needed distraction from the challenges of 2020*
- I am optimistic that 2021 will be a better year than 2020*
For the following question, by “charitable donations” we specifically mean monetary donations. Thinking about donating to charity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e. January 2020) compared to before…Which, if any, of the following changes have you made to your charitable donations due to the COVID-19 pandemic? (Please select all that apply. If you have not made any changes, please select the “Not applicable” option)
- I have cut back on all of my charitable donations
- I am donating more money to international charities
- I am donating more money to domestic charities
- I am volunteering more in my local community instead of donating money to charity
- Other
- Don’t Know