Charity donations up despite crisis
Medical research remains top cause, although priorities are changing and local groups helping the needy see biggest rise
FRENCH people are continuing to donate generously to charities despite the economic crisis, with donations up 5.5% last year, new figures reveal.
Charities body France Générosités said medical research remained the top cause in 2009, representing 43% of all donations.
Donations to anti-poverty groups made up 37% of the total - up from 30% in 2008.
This was to the detriment of human rights charities - 14% instead of 20% - and environmental groups, which made up 6% instead of the previous year's 11%.
France Générosités said people's priorities appeared to be changing in 2010, with a focus on local charities that provide day-to-day help instead of long-term medical prevention.
You can deduct up to 75% of your donations to certain charities in France and Britain from your French tax bill.
Associations eligible for 75% tax relief are those which provide meals, accommodation, free medical and dental services for needy people, overseas or in France. These include Les Restaurants du Coeur, La Croix-Rouge and Médecins sans Frontières.
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