In 2020, 56% of Russians were involved in charity of some kind, meaning they donated money to people in need. Spontaneous street donations turned out to be the most common form of charity. According to the national survey conducted by the Centre for Studies of Civil Society and Nonprofit Sector, almost one in three Russians (31%) engaged in charity. One in five (19%) made personal donations directly to those in need, 7% - gave money through relatives and friends of the needy, another 7% - via SMS or coin bank boxes to raise funds.
Monthly payroll donations as well as donations through social services and initiative civic groups are rather unpopular among Russians (about 1% of the population).
Source: HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and Nonprofit Sector, November 2020