Indian Philanthropists Grow in Number but Donations Drop from Pandemic-Era Peak; HCL Founder Shiv Nadar Ranked Most Generous
Record 119 philanthropists donate INR 8,445 crore in FY23, marking a rise, though the average donation sees a drop from pandemic peak; Shiv Nadar tops the list with INR 2,042 crore contribution.
- According to the latest EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy list, the number of Indian philanthropists donating INR 5 crore or more expanded to a record 119 individuals in FY23, increasing from 108 individuals in FY22, and significantly more from just 27 in 2016-17.
- Despite the increase in donors, the average donation amount has fluctuated, peaking at INR 140 crore in 2020-21, then falling to INR 52 crore in 2021-22, before rising slightly to INR 71 crore in 2022-23.
- The total value of donations in FY23 is INR 8,445 crore, up from INR 5,623 crore the prior year, dominated by contributions from top donors Shiv Nadar (INR 2,042 crore), Wipro’s Azim Premji (INR 1,774 crore), and Reliance’s Mukesh Ambani (INR 376 crore).
- Azim Premji saw the steepest increase in contributions, raising his donation by INR 1,290 crore from the previous fiscal year, while Nadar's donations increased by INR 881 crore.
- The largest donations were directed towards education (INR 1,547 crore) and arts, culture, and heritage (INR 1,345 crore), with the Nadar family as the biggest contributor in both areas.
