In most European countries, a donation to a charitable organization in another country does not automatically come with tax benefits, creating barriers to cross-border philanthropy.
Giving Europe is a network of organizations in 19 European countries that facilitates secure and transparent cross-border donations, enabling individuals and businesses to support organizations abroad while benefiting from the tax regulations of their own country. Since 2025, the network has been coordinated under the umbrella of Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association, the European body for philanthropy.
Giving Europe:
Enables donors from participating countries to support organizations in other countries with tax benefits according to their national legislation. More information here.
Leverages the expertise of national partners to ensure compliance with tax and legal frameworks. Detailed information on the tax laws of each member country can be found here.
Ensures reliability, transparency, and secure transfer of donations.
HIGGS is the official representative of the network in Greece and:
Facilitates donations from abroad to Greek civil society organizations.
Supports Greek donors in contributing to charitable organizations in other countries.
Helps Greek organizations access international funding without establishing foreign branches.
Strengthens civil society in Greece by attracting more donors and fostering innovative projects both in Greece and across Europe.
Once an organization is approved as an eligible recipient for cross-border donations through the network, it can receive donations from abroad with the tax treatment provided by the donors’ national legislation.
To start the process:
There must be interest from a donor in a member country of the network.
The organization contacts HIGGS (givingeurope@higgs3.org) and the donor contacts the national partner in their country.
Guidance is provided for submitting the application and supporting documents (statutes, financial statements, etc.).
The network evaluates and certifies the organization as a beneficiary.
The donation is transferred to the organization’s bank account.
Organizations with an international network of contacts are encouraged to inform potential donors about the possibility of tax-efficient donations through Giving Europe.
More information on becoming a network beneficiary can be found here.
Giving Europe offers access to a trusted network of 19 recognized charitable organizations across Europe, ensuring that your donation is transferred securely and that you can benefit from the tax regulations of your country.
HIGGS facilitates donations from Greek donors to organizations in other network countries (e.g., universities, museums, civil society organizations), ensuring tax deductions of up to 20%.
If you wish to make a donation to a charitable organization in Europe:
Contact HIGGS (givingeurope@higgs3.org), indicating the organization you wish to support and the donation amount.
HIGGS coordinates with the network’s national partner in the organization’s country.
If the organization is not yet part of the network, its registration process begins.
Once the process is complete, you make the donation and receive the relevant documentation.
More information for donors can be found here.
