New research from PTSB shows that nearly four in ten (36%) survey respondents say they never volunteer or do charity work, and 12% say they are volunteering less, or doing less charity work, compared with last year.
The survey also suggests there has been a decline in the number of people who are making one-off or recurring donations to charities, with 18% and 15% respectively citing they do less when compared to last year.
The research coincides with PTSB Community Week, an annual initiative in which employees volunteer and fundraise for a range of community and volunteer partners nationwide, including the DSPCA, Seal Rescue Ireland, Ronald McDonald House, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Sanctuary Runners, and Women’s Aid.
In addition to PTSB Community Week, all employees get a paid day of leave throughout the year to engage in volunteering initiatives as part of the bank’s wider Employee Volunteering Programme, and the bank match funds all employee fundraising each year, which has contributed more than 2 million Euro to Irish community organisations to date.
PTSB will also be sponsoring the ‘Social Inclusion and Community Support’ category in the upcoming Volunteer Ireland Awards which take place in December. Nominations are now open for the awards until 10 October and people are encouraged to recognise those who give back in their communities, by submitting nominations through volunteer.ie/nominate.
“PTSB Community Week demonstrates our commitment to bringing our people and communities together for social good, enabling us to support organisations that make a real difference. We believe it is our responsibility to create opportunities for our employees to engage with their communities, driving a positive and meaningful impact across Ireland.
Our research findings suggest a backdrop of concerning national trends in charitable activity, so we would like to encourage people to get involved in their communities, through volunteering initiatives and fundraising activity to support the organisations that mean the most to them.“
“Every day volunteers across the country help deliver vital services and bring immense joy to the people around us. From local clean ups and coaching sports to playing video games with young people and supporting helplines, volunteering is at the heart of our communities. We are delighted to have PTSB on board as a category sponsor in the Volunteer Ireland Awards, and it is encouraging to see their commitment to driving participation in volunteering and providing these opportunities to staff.“
Research is from PTSB’s Reflecting Ireland research which is conducted every quarter and is based on an online survey of 1,000 adults across Ireland. The sample was nationally representative of the population based on age, gender, social class and religion. Fieldwork was conducted between 20-29 August 2025.
Volunteer Ireland is the national volunteer development organisation and a support body for all local Volunteer Centres in Ireland. The Volunteer Ireland Awards are Ireland’s flagship national awards to recognise volunteers of all ages and backgrounds for the incredible contribution they make to our communities every day.
