German Red Cross faces crisis as donations drop by €9 million

A €9M shortfall leaves the vulnerable at risk. Can the German Red Cross reverse the trend as households tighten their belts and media turns away?

, and Administrator

2025 December 26 . 12:28 PM

1 min read

This image is clicked on the roads. To the left, there is ambulance. To the right, there is a tent... — This image is clicked on the roads. To the left, there is ambulance. To the right, there is a tent under which many people are standing. There is also table and chair in the right of the image.

German Red Cross Lament Strong Drop in Donations - German Red Cross faces crisis as donations drop by €9 million

The German Red Cross (DRK) has witnessed a significant decrease in donations this year, plummeting to nearly €40 million from €49 million in 2023. The organization is now endeavoring to boost its efforts to attract more donors as the downturn starts to affect those in need.

DRK President Hermann Gröhe, who took office in late November 2023, has underscored the severe implications of the decline. He cautioned that fewer donations equate to less assistance for individuals grappling with emergencies and hardship.

Gröhe identified two primary reasons for the downturn: financial strain on households and a lack of media coverage for certain crises. Soaring living expenses, economic stagnation, and unemployment—projected to reach 6.3% in 2025—have left many with less to give. Simultaneously, persistent issues like threats to democracy, right-wing extremism, and assaults on journalists in regions like Gaza and Syria receive scant attention, diminishing public awareness. The issue transcends the DRK. Numerous charitable groups are grappling with similar shortfalls, compelling them to scale back on crucial aid initiatives.

The DRK's drive to restore donor support comes as the consequences of the decline become more apparent. Without a turnaround, vulnerable groups will confront even greater obstacles in accessing food, shelter, and medical care. The organization has emphasized the necessity for both public generosity and broader media engagement with overlooked crises.