Spain sits at 3.83 out of 5 on the latest Global Philanthropy Environment Index, a leading study by Indiana University that maps philanthropic activity around the world. The planetary average stands at 3.63 points.
In the same band as Spain, with scores between 3.5 and 3.99, are Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Serbia, and Ukraine, among others in Europe. The top tier includes Austria, Ireland, Italy, Romania, and the United Kingdom, with scores from 4.0 to 4.49. In the highest band, from 4.5 to 5.0, are Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. Below Spain, Albania, Hungary, Portugal, and Russia fall in the 3.0 to 3.49 range.
Spain is not a land of philanthropists by default.
A proposal to amend the patronage law has been adopted for processing by the Congress of Deputies and is currently under presentation. It aims to reverse the current situation. The proposal notes that the existing norm dates back to 2002 and has proven ineffective despite 2014 adjustments, as it does not reflect social, economic, technological, and mental shifts that have occurred since then. The suggestion comes from a group led by Sergi Miquel of PDeCat, which submitted the measure in December 2020.
key
The central idea is to expand tax incentives for individuals, businesses, and non-residents who donate to public-benefit non-profit organizations (ENL). The plan also broadens the ENL remit beyond culture, sport, education, research, and social work so that it can be considered of general interest. Completing the proposal is a push to embrace crowdfunding through digital platforms and to encourage service donations to ENL from firms such as architectural, legal, or communications companies, with appropriate tax deductions.
The proposal draws on models from France and Italy, which in 2022 placed Spain behind them in the Global Philanthropy Environment Index.
The aim is to shape public policies that encourage and ease patronage, especially in an economic climate where administrations cannot do everything. This view comes from Maite Esteve of the Catalonia Cultural Foundation. The association notes that ENL spending on general-interest activities exceeded 15,000 million euros in 2021, aligning with principles outlined in the Association of Spanish Foundations manifest.
The foundation Esteve heads emerged after severe budget cuts following the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent government notifications. The group’s role is to build bridges that help business fund cultural projects, according to Esteve.
emergencies
Àlex Susanna, artistic director of the Vila Casas Foundation, observes clear health and education emergencies requiring the central and regional governments to place culture ahead in a context of enduring crisis. Civil society must step forward to support both cultural and scientific initiatives, as Susanna explains. He notes that there are relatively few surnames associated with pregnancy, underscoring the fragility of cultural and health programs in uncertain times.
Esteve contrasts the Anglo-Saxon environment, suggesting that patronage stagnation stems from a lack of tradition or interrupted tradition in Catalonia. He believes this is changing quickly as large companies recognize the reputational value of sponsorship, and more small and medium-sized enterprises begin using patronage to engage local communities. Individuals are also contributing small gifts to ENL, bringing community-based funding closer to home. He argues that a favorable law amendment could nurture this ecosystem further and ensure that those who supported ENL are adequately recognized and compensated for public service contributions.
general interest
Daniel Granados, Barcelona City Council cultural rights delegate, warns that the economic power of companies cannot replace the mandatory leadership of public administrations. He adds that it is vital to carefully define which assets qualify as general interest so false interests do not skew priorities. He also emphasizes aligning cultural rights with the broad idea of general interest, including minority protections, artistic risk-taking, feminism, and education.
Barcelona City Council dedicates 6.48% of its total spending to culture, with 1.3% from the Generalitat and 0.6% from the central government.
Promises of reform and attempts to modernize patronage law have repeatedly faced obstacles in the Congress of Deputies. Yet the reform proposal remains a source of cautious optimism. The key, observers say, lies with the Treasury, which has shown reluctance toward larger tax incentives. The discussion echoes the legacy of past debates about how patronage and public funding can best support cultural life in Spain and beyond.