Study: 90% of Indian household donations go to religious organizations
A new study from Ashoka University reveals that nearly 9 out of 10 rupees donated by Indian households go to religious organizations or directly to beggars.
Together, Indians give about ₹540 billion each year, according to the Ashoka University study—46% in-kind and 44% in cash.
Breakdown of donations
According to the Ashoka University study, religious groups receive around 46% of donations, while beggars get about 42%. Non-religious organizations see just 15%.
According to the same study, most gifts are in-kind (like food or clothes), with cash a close second.
Trust and income levels
Trust matters: people are more likely to donate when asked in person (25%) than online (15%).
Giving happens at every income level; even half of lower-income households donate, and this jumps to almost 80% among wealthier families.
Types of donors
The report describes four types of donors: Grassroot givers, Aspirational donors, Practical donors, and Well-off donors.
The study suggests there's still a lot to learn about what drives people in India to give.