The explosion of gas and electricity prices, the war in Ukraine and high inflation have not prevented the Austrian people from donating. The West is more generous than the East.
The 2022 fundraising year started off with a bang. When Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, Mr and Mrs Austria opened their wallets. “In the first two months of the war alone, 100 million euros were given for aid to Ukraine,” confirms Fundraising Austria director Günther Lutschinger.
On average 78 to 163 euros per head
In general, Austria shows courage despite the many crises. With 900 million euros, even more donations than in previous years are expected. 80 percent of the donations come from private households, 85 percent are amounts under 200 euros. According to their own statements, 67 percent of Austrians donate, led by Burgenland and Lower Austria with 73 percent each. With an average of 78 euros, the amounts in those states are somewhat lower than in the west. Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg spent an average of 163 euros per person.
The deductibility of gifts makes heads shake
However, there is one drawback. 94 percent of all donations are tax deductible. The rest, including contributions to animal welfare and education, have been falling through the rust for 13 years. The background is absurd rules: education in developing countries is favored, but not in troubled local schools. Similarly, protection of wild animals is fiscally recognized, that of domestic animals is not. And foundations are only deductible for a limited time. According to Lutschinger, the frustration among donors and donors is therefore great.
Nevertheless, he eventually appeals: “If donations are lower during the Christmas period, many aid projects are in danger of disappearing. So please keep donating during Advent.”
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
