52,990 Donations and 7.4 Billion Won Raised
A 26.8% Increase Over Last Year, Signifying Sustainable Growth
Award Ceremony for the Hometown Love Donation Program Excellence Contest . Provided by Jeonnam Province
In both 2023 and 2024, Jeonnam Province ranked first nationwide for two consecutive years in fundraising for the Hometown Love Donation Program. The province is making every effort to create a "warmer Jeonnam" by broadening the base of donation participation and expanding resident-oriented projects.
The Hometown Love Donation Program allows individuals to donate up to 20 million won per year to local governments other than their place of residence. Donors receive a return gift worth up to 30% of their donation. For donations up to 100,000 won, the entire amount is tax-deductible, and for amounts exceeding 100,000 won, a 16.5% tax deduction is provided. The donations are used for projects that enhance the welfare of local residents.
According to Jeonnam Province, as of the end of September 2025, the cumulative fundraising amount in Jeonnam reached 52,990 donations, totaling approximately 7.4 billion won, marking a 26.8% increase compared to the previous year. This achievement goes beyond mere numbers, demonstrating the power of sustainable growth and trust by connecting communities and people.
Even before the implementation of the program, Jeonnam Province was the first in the country to establish a dedicated organization, proactively preparing by enacting ordinances, identifying return gifts, and conducting promotional activities. The driving force behind this success has been the collective support from residents, former residents, businesses, and public officials, whose heartfelt contributions have become a powerful force shaping a brighter future for Jeonnam.
The donations are being used directly in initiatives that transform residents' lives. Notable examples include: the "Hometown Village Revitalization Project" that brought new life to villages; the "Village Community Laundry" for vulnerable groups; the "Gift a Pediatrician!" campaign in Gokseong County; and the "Yeongam Mom Safety Project" in Yeongam County. These cases clearly illustrate a virtuous cycle where donors' goodwill directly translates into residents' happiness.
Additionally, the funds are being used for scholarship programs, senior care support, and local cultural and artistic activities, solidifying the program's reputation as a system that brings tangible changes to daily life.
To further expand participation, Jeonnam Province is actively implementing customized promotional strategies. Regular promotional messages are sent, focusing on hometown associations across the country and the "Jeonnam Love Supporters" network, which has 590,000 members, encouraging participation in the Hometown Love Donation Program.
Alongside online promotional campaigns, the province is also holding offline information sessions and setting up promotional booths at major festivals and events, allowing people of all generations to naturally learn about the program. These efforts go beyond simple promotion, fostering a sense of community and helping to establish donation as a part of everyday culture.
With more than 320 types of return gifts from 202 suppliers-the highest level nationwide-the return gifts, filled with the care and quality of the southern region, have led to high donor satisfaction.
Beyond simply rewarding donors, the return gifts are also increasing the income of local farmers, fishers, and businesses, creating new jobs, and driving a virtuous cycle in the local economy.
To mark this Chuseok holiday, Jeonnam Province is holding a special event to thank donors. The first 500 people who donate 100,000 won or more by the 12th will receive Namdo kimchi, representing the flavors of Jeonnam, in addition to their regular return gift.
Ko Mikyung, Director of the Autonomous Administration Bureau of Jeonnam Province, stated, "Today's achievements are thanks to the warm participation of many donors, including former residents," and emphasized, "We will continue to make Jeonnam a warmer place through the Hometown Love Donation Program, where all residents, former residents, and donors are the main protagonists."
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