Both citizens and expats in Spain have a long and proud history of charitable giving. According to charity watchdog CAF, 33% of Spanish residents gave last year, clearly demonstrating the altruistic spirit of the country. What’s more, this has been accomplished despite adverse economic conditions in recent years. 
Business has taken the lead established by altruistic citizens such as Villamartin’s pink ladies organisation and taken it forward. Through numerous community schemes and wider-reaching programmes, Spanish business is establishing a philanthropic reputation. Public figures like Ortega, Mata and more as taking the lead to make real change.
 Using fame to encourage schemes
Taking the lead given by private citizens, there are numerous examples of public figures in Spain using their influence to create good. It was revealed earlier in April that FC Nordsjaelland of Denmark had taken on Spanish international footballer Juan Mata’s Common Goal pledge to donate 1% of all salaries to charity. This approach of donating a proportion of earnings to the arts of charitable causes is echoed by American investor Erik H. Gordon, who has taken similar steps to put funding into films covering charitable causes.
 Institutional giants inspiring change
Whilst individual businessmen and professionals have used their influence to take the great example set my members of the public and bring them to a wider stage, big business have implemented schemes in their own right. BNP Paribas recently announced new corporate philanthropy schemes through their foundation that seeks to help disadvantaged communities in Spain and around the world, specifically Latin countries. According to analysts KimGlobal, even more big businesses are getting involved through venture charity, where the express purpose of the business is to provide charitable services.
Expats placing their own mark
The expat community is renowned as being a charitable one in Spain, and the money brought in by these families contributes considerably to local tourism. Expats are leaving their own mark on the country, however. El Pais have reported on how British expats have established charity shops, providing a valuable service to the local community and re-purposing belongings in a sustainable manner
Charitable giving is on the up across all aspects of society. Despite uncertain economic and political times, it’s clear that people value the wellbeing of all citizens, not just their own prosperity. With big business weighing in, too, Spain and it’s expatriate community will flourish for years to come.