Andrea Innocenti In an era where time is often considered money, Italians seem to have a different perspective. According to a recent survey, nearly half of the population (47%) believes that time spent helping others is the gesture that best represents generosity. This finding emerges from a study conducted by Walden Lab for the Comitato Testamento Solidale (Solidarity Testament Committee), presented in Rome on the occasion of International Bequest Day, celebrated on September 13th.
Knowledge of charitable bequests in Italy
The research reveals that awareness of charitable bequests is widespread among Italians. Today, nearly eight in ten (78%) say they are familiar with them, a significant increase from the 23,6 million people surveyed in 2012. However, despite this widespread awareness, only 12% of Italians feel very informed about the procedures for making them, while over half (52%) consider themselves little or not at all informed.
The propensity for charitable bequests among the over 50s
Among those over 50, 23% have already planned or would consider leaving a charitable bequest. Of these, 2,5% have already done so, 5% would certainly do so, and 16% would probably do so. This figure is stable compared to 2025, but almost double the 12% in 2018, signaling a long-term cultural shift.
In absolute terms, approximately 705 people over 50 have already made a charitable bequest, while 5,9 million say they are inclined to make this choice.
Italians' preferences for charitable bequests
When considering a legacy, Italians primarily focus on medical and scientific research (42%), followed by patient care (33%), support for those in need in Italy (30%), and humanitarian emergencies, aid for people with disabilities, and animal welfare (all 23%). When choosing an organization, reliability in resource management (43%), transparency (34%), and the ability to demonstrate the concrete effectiveness of interventions (30%) prevail, confirming that trust is a fundamental prerequisite for this gesture of generosity.
The daily generosity of Italians
For Italians, generosity arises first and foremost in everyday life. Fifty-one percent spontaneously associate it with solidarity, kindness (40%), and sharing (39%), while 65% recognize family as the place where this value finds its greatest expression. When asked what gesture best represents generosity, time spent with others ranks first (47%), followed by emotional support (44%), and volunteering for a nonprofit organization (43%).
This culture of giving also translates into concrete behaviors. Seven in ten Italians (70%) report having made at least one donation in their lifetime, and in 2026, the average donation will reach €126, the highest amount recorded by research. Medical and scientific research continues to be the most supported cause (43%), followed by humanitarian emergencies (29%), animal protection (21%), and assistance to the sick (20%).
Research shows that awareness of charitable bequests is growing, but also that many people still need clear information on how to implement them. This is where notaries can make a difference: by providing impartial information and guiding citizens so that every decision is free, informed, and in full compliance with the law, the testator's wishes, and the rights of the heirs.
"The propensity data confirms that charitable bequests are increasingly becoming part of Italian culture. Today, we know that this opportunity is understood by a large majority of people, but we also know that there is still a large area of hesitation. This is where our commitment lies: to provide clear and accurate information so that everyone can make a free and informed choice, overcoming those clichés that still make bequests feel like something reserved for the few. Charitable bequests are a gesture born of the same generosity that accompanies so many people throughout their lives and allows us to continue supporting causes, projects, and people well into the future," says Rossano Bartoli, Spokesperson for the Solidarity Wills Committee.