Giving research
We can use research to understand and support giving. The Generosity Hub encourages research about giving in New Zealand.
The following reports can help you to better understand motivations for giving: how people are giving, to whom they give, and what they give.
Time Use Survey data shows more young and old people are volunteering
Statistics New Zealand's latest Time Use Survey data (released in June 2011) shows that 69 per cent of people undertake unpaid work outside of their own households. This includes a participation rate of 27 per cent for unpaid work in non-profit organisations (ie: volunteering).
The Time Use Survey involved 9,159 people aged 12 years and older, who completed questionnaires and two-day diaries about how they spent their time. Data from 2009/10 was compared to a previous 1998/99 survey.
The participation rate of 12-24 year-olds undertaking unpaid work for organisations increased from 19 per cent to 24 per cent over the past 11 years. The rate of people in the 65+ age group who volunteer for organisations increased from 31 per cent to 38 per cent.
However, the actual amount of time that people spend in formal volunteering activities has decreased for everyone aged 25-years and over. This indicates that people want to volunteer, but in shorter bursts of activity - so community organisations need to offer flexible options for volunteering that meet people's availability
Gender differences are also apparent, with 63 per cent of men's work being paid, while 65 per cent of women's work was unpaid.
See more details from the Time Use Survey
The 'How do New Zealanders Give' series
See the latest from this series of Quarterly Generosity Indicators
The 'Focus on Generosity' series
Focus on Generosity: a discussion paper series
The purpose of this series is to stimulate discussion between Hub members, advisors and anyone else working in the generosity space in order to guide the work of the Hub. We encourage you to use the Focus on Generosity series in your own work, as we know that at times, conversations can in themselves be a catalyst for change.
Discussion Paper 1: What do we mean by generosity?
Discussion Paper 1 asks the core questions: what is generosity, and what does it have to do with the way we live our lives or run our businesses?
Discussion Paper 2: What value do we place on generosity?
Discussion Paper 2 examines the benefits that stem from generosity for givers, receivers and the community as a whole.
Discussion Paper # 3 - What do we know about generosity in New Zealand?
Discussion Paper 3 builds a picture of what we know about how people currently give in New Zealand, identifies gaps in information and the challenges for the future of generosity.
Discussion Paper #4 - What can we do to promote generosity in New Zealand?
Discussion Paper 4 considers challenges to giving and opportunities for promoting generosity in New Zealand. It sets out proposals from the Generosity Hub for a strategic plan, objectives and initiatives to promote generosity.
More Kiwi research on giving
Fostering Financial Giving report
The objective of this research was to identify pragmatic actions for strengthening the culture of giving among those who have the ability and desire to give. The nine philanthropists interviewed for this report have a diverse range of views on how best to encourage other New Zealanders to give. They also have a range of insights into what puts people off serious charitable activity.
See more New Zealand research on the giving of time (volunteering)
International research on giving
Giving White paper published in UK 2011
This paper unveils new Big Society plans to make it easier and more attractive to give time and money to good causes.
Giving Green paper from UK Cabinet Office 2010
The Giving Green Paper sets out the Government’s initial ideas for building a stronger culture of giving time and money to start a national debate on our society’s attitude to giving.
This document outlines the UK Government's programme of policies in support of the Big Society.
LBG's Annual Benchmarking Report 2010
According to LBG's Annual Benchmarking Report 2010, New Zealand corporates are more generous than Australians!
The World Giving Index allows us to establish a view of charitable behaviour worldwide reflecting the fact that being charitable is about more than simply giving money. The Index is based upon the three charitable behaviours – giving money to an organisation, volunteering time to an organisation and helping a stranger.
See more international research on the giving of time (volunteering)
Other publications and research
Making it easier to give information sheets
Find community researchers and see research reports on New Zealand non-profits