25 of the best Australian charities to donate to
Deciding to donate to a cause close to your heart is always a good idea. And Australia is one of the most giving countries in the world, according to the World Giving Report 2025.
There are plenty of causes you can give to that will really make a difference in Australia, and donating has never been easier. We live in a world with so many options to donate online, through charity websites or crowdfunding. You can also still give the old-fashioned way through charity shops and physical donations, too.
We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate Australian charities to donate to in 2026. We’ve chosen 25 popular Australian charities so that all Aussies looking to make a difference can do so with ease. It couldn’t be easier to start a charity fundraiser on GoFundMe. Just pick your cause – the registered charity of your choice – and get started!
Finding the right charity for you
The real question when it comes to giving isn’t why, but who? Choosing a charity is a hugely personal decision. Start by thinking about the causes closest to your heart. For example, are you an animal person? Or have you experienced illnesses such as dementia in your family and want to help others in the same position? Or do you want to protect the environment?
Here’s a helpful checklist:
- Cause fit: Find a cause that fits what you care about. This way, every donation you make feels personally meaningful.
- Financial transparency: Use guides to find charities that are financially responsible and give clear reports on how they’ve spent donations.
- Measurable outcomes: Look for charities that have made a real difference in their areas. Reputable organisations are based on concrete outcomes and regularly publish these results.
- Local vs national impact: Make targeted charity choices. If you’re trying to make a difference in your immediate community, go for local charities. For causes like climate change, consider large national charities.
What are the best Australian charities to donate to?
To help you make a difference, we have selected 25 Australian charities to donate to below. Each one represents a hugely important cause.
These charities are all listed in the 2025 Australian Charities Report. They represent a range of causes and interests. To make it simpler, we’ve grouped this list of Australian charities into categories so you can easily find the cause you want to support and a matching charity.
Quick links:
1. Clean Up Australia
Best for waste elimination.
Inspiring and mobilising communities to improve and conserve the environment and eliminate waste, Clean Up Australia has been operating since 1989. During this time, over 21 million Australians have participated in organised events and activities by the charity, which makes it a great choice for eager volunteers.
They focus on preventing rubbish from entering the environment and removing what has already accumulated. The organisation holds an annual Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March. As far as environmental charities go, Clean Up Australia is one of the most recognised and trusted.
Why it stands out: They’re now regarded as one of Australia’s best charities thanks to the practical solutions they provide to help Aussies live more sustainably.
Who this might suit: Everyone who cares about the environment and reducing unsustainable waste.
2. UnitingCare Australia
Best for large-scale social services.
As one of the largest networks of social services providers in Australia, UnitingCare Australia was established in 1993 and supports 1.4 million people every year across the country in urban, rural and remote communities. This is thanks to a team of over 55,000 staff and 17,000 volunteers.
Why it stands out: For believing that everyone should be able to live life fully, no matter their circumstances.
Who this might suit: Donors concerned about social welfare, from childcare to family support, disability services to homelessness prevention.
3. The Salvation Army Australia
Best for helping individuals impacted by homlessness.
The Salvation Army Australia was founded in 1880 and is one of the more widely recognised Australian charities, offering spiritual and social support to communities across the country. Despite being an international Christian movement, they also focus on national issues to bring hope to people who are experiencing hardship or injustice.
Why it stands out: One of the oldest and most dedicated charity organisations in the world.
Who this might suit: Those who want to help relieve homelessness and individual hardship.
4. Surf Life Saving Australia
Best for beach safety.
Going to the beach is one of the most popular activities among many Aussies. That’s where Surf Life Saving Australia comes in as the country’s leading coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority. Founded in 1907, the not-for-profit has a huge number of volunteers, with over 190,000 members and 314 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs.
Why it stands out: So far, over 715,000 people have been rescued by their lifesavers, which demonstrates the importance of their role in coastal communities.
Who this might suit: Anyone who cares about safety when going to the beach.
5. World Vision Australia
Best for relieving child hunger and poverty.
World Vision Australia strives to overcome poverty for all children around the world, a mission they’ve been carrying out for over 70 years, since 1966. 80.5% of the total funds received goes to field programmes and advocacy work, while 10.2% goes towards further fundraising.
Why it stands out: As a result of their community-focused solutions, for every child you help, four more children benefit.
Who this might suit: Anyone interested in ending child poverty.
6. Silverchain
Best for in-home care services.
Founded in 1894, Silverchain provides in-home support and complete care services in Australia, helping over 115,000 people of all ages each year. They provide a range of services that include hospital in the home, palliative care, aged care (Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Program), allied health and social support and virtual care monitoring.
Why it stands out: The charity has worked for over 130 years as a not-for-profit, aiming to revolutionise the way complete care is provided and to transform the way it is received – creating a better home care system for all Australians.
Who this might suit: Those with relatives in home care, or who want to help fund it.
7. Australian Red Cross
Best for emergency support and community resilience
The Australian Red Cross is a very highly regarded organisation running since 1914, and one of the best Australian charities for those who want to volunteer their time to support a worthwhile cause. From helping members of the local community to supporting those suffering from the effects of a natural disaster, you can make a considerable difference.
Alternatively, you could fundraise for the Red Cross by participating in events such as the Big Cake Bake and the Crunchtober Challenge. Not only could you support vulnerable people and communities around Australia by participating, but you could also realise your ambitions as the next Mary Berry.
Why it stands out: More than a century of providing critical intervention.
Who this might suit: Anyone wanting to help vulnerable people and communities.
8. OneCare
Best for aged care in Tasmania.
If you live in Tasmania and want to support a cause specific to your state, then OneCare is an excellent not-for-profit, aged care organisation that welcomes volunteers. Assisting more than 2,000 people, they’ve been supporting and caring for aged individuals and people with disability for more than 40 years, although officially established in 2002.
Why it stands out: Aged care organisation in Tasmania.
Who this might suit: People interested in helping older individuals or those with ageing relatives in Tasmania.
9. Care Australia
Best for empowering women and girls.
A worthy inclusion in these Australian charities list, Care Australia puts women at the heart of their work, fighting worldwide poverty since it was founded in 1945. This international aid organisation works to save lives and defeat poverty, helping over 1.44 million women and girls across 14 countries last year.
Why it stands out: Creates opportunities for women and girls to escape poverty.
Who this might suit: Those who champion women’s rights.
10. Bush Heritage Australia
Best for protecting natural ecosystems.
For all nature lovers, Bush Heritage Australia is a great charity. A not-for-profit conservation organisation, Bush Heritage Australia protects ecosystems and wildlife across the continent. They work on the ground with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the agricultural sector to make sure their impact is sustainable and collaborative.
You can get involved in a variety of different ways, including donations, fundraising and volunteering
Why it stands out: Your efforts will contribute towards their 2030 vision to protect, restore and regenerate a total of 30 million hectares of land, as well as deepening their support of Aboriginal Partnerships.
Who this might suit: Australian nature lovers.
11. RSPCA Australia
Best for animal rescue and rehoming.
The RSPCA in Australia is a federation founded in 1981. They provide valuable services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates, while also influencing animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country. You can donate or adopt an animal.
If you’re an animal lover who wants to make a difference in a unique way, then you can also adopt a pet. This involves giving an animal a second chance by providing a loving home for them.
Why it stands out: A well-established organisation that makes a real difference in animals’ lives.
Who this might suit: Animal lovers.
12. Soldier On
Best for supporting military families and veterans.
Founded in 2012, Soldier On’s mission in Australia is to deliver life-changing support services, programmes and activities to serving and ex-serving Defence personnel and their families.
Why it stands out: This not-for-profit supports families facing challenges in their lives, enabling them to establish purpose and belonging in the civilian world.
Who this might suit: Relatives of military veterans, military families and those wanting to honour their service.
13. Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation
Best for supporting children’s hospitals.
If you want to help shape the future of children’s healthcare, then the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation is an excellent Australian charity to support. Your donations will go towards ensuring all children have access to the best possible healthcare. The charity has operated since 1986.
Why it stands out: With a team of 70,000 individual donors, volunteers and supporters, millions of dollars are raised each year to support New South Wales hospitals, services and research.
Who this might suit: People with seriously ill children and those wishing to make a difference in their lives.
14. UNICEF Australia
Best for protecting children’s rights.
Founded in 1966, UNICEF lives by their slogan, ‘For every child in need. No matter what’, aiming to change policies and practices that are detrimental to children’s rights in Australia and internationally.
In Australia specifically, they aim to amplify children’s voices, defend their rights and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Why not fundraise for UNICEF today by organising a fun run or setting up a page for your birthday?
Why it stands out: One of the best Australian charities for those wanting to support younger generations, any funds raised go towards worldwide emergency and development work.
Who this might suit: Anyone interested in defending children’s rights.
15. Australian Lions Hearing Dogs
Best for deafness hearing assistance.
If you want a charity that provides care to both animals and humans, then Australian Lions Hearing Dogs ticks all of the right boxes. Since 1980, the organisation has provided fully trained hearing assistance dogs for Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing, so they can enjoy fulfilling lives. In 2020, they delivered just over 650 Australians a furry companion.
Why it stands out: With more than 400,000 Australians suffering from severe or profound hearing loss, this charity’s hard work is vital – not just for the individuals, but their families as well. You can even contribute directly by sponsoring a puppy!
Who this might suit: Those with a personal interest in helping the deaf and hard of hearing.
16. Minderoo Foundation
Best for fighting social inequality.
The Minderoo Foundation wants to help build a society that values all people and natural ecosystems by uplifting communities, advancing gender and equality, protecting the ocean and responding to emerging challenges. Founded in 2001 and proudly Australian, they advocate for change, seek effective solutions and dismantle the systems that entrench inequality.
Why it stands out: Their mantra is to collaborate, advocate, innovate, fight and act for a fairer future.
Who this might suit: Everyone who strives for social equality.
17. Heart Foundation Australia
Best for heart disease prevention.
One of the most popular Australian charities, every dollar you donate will help to fund research, support those in need and develop programs that help save lives. The Heart Foundation Australia was founded in 1959, and its goals are to improve heart disease prevention, detection and support for all Australians.
Why it stands out: Coronary heart disease is Australia’s number one killer, taking 50 lives every day, which makes this a hugely vital cause.
Who this might suit: Your donations will go towards funding high-impact research, advocating to governments and industry and building community awareness about living a heart-healthy lifestyle.
18. The Wilderness Society
Best for preserving fauna and flora.
Are you passionate about protecting the natural world and preserving Australia’s forests and bushlands? The Wilderness Society was founded in 1976 in Tasmania, powered by thousands of Australians who contribute through membership, donations and bequests, as well as buying merchandise from the charity’s online store. The charity is currently running an urgent appeal to help support them in lobbying MPs for strong nature laws, pressuring corporations to change their practices and building grassroots campaigns with local communities.
Why it stands out: Its mission is to protect and restore wilderness and natural processes across Australia.
Who this might suit: Anyone who wants to help preserve Australia’s natural heritage.
19. Médecins Sans Frontières Australia
Best for emergency medical services for natural disasters and in conflict zones.
Since 1994, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia (MSF) delivers emergency medical aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. They currently operate programs in around 70 countries, offering assistance based on medical needs. Over 90% of funding comes from individual private donors, which highlights just how important your donations to this charity would be.
Why it stands out: One of the most respected, effective medical organisations in the world.
Who this might suit: Those who care about providing medical care in extreme hardship.
20. Beacon Foundation
Best for youth career support.
Based in Hobart, the Beacon Foundation started in 1988, working with schools, businesses and communities to bring real-world relevance to education and inspire young people to consider their career options before leaving school.
Why it stands out: For over 35 years, it’s delivered programmes for students in years 7 to 12 with an ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) of less than 1,000.
Who this might suit: By supporting this charity through donations or voluntary work, you’ll help them deliver on their promise that socio-economic background or geography should not determine the education or career opportunities someone has in life.
21. Cancer Council Australia
Best for cancer research and patient support.
Whether you choose to volunteer, fundraise or donate, there are many ways to get involved with Cancer Council Australia. In doing so, you’ll be assisting their aim to support all Australians affected by cancer through support, research and prevention programs. The primary role since its founding in 1961 has been to develop an independent national cancer control policy.
Why it stands out: A charity taking the lead in combating cancer in Australia.
Who this might suit: Anyone who has been touched by cancer or wants to help those fighting it.
22. Leukaemia Foundation
Best for health services for leukaemia patients.
Founded in 1975, the Leukaemia Foundation offers invaluable support in improving the lives of anyone impacted by leukaemia and any other kind of blood cancer. Your donations will go towards the health services they provide, which are led by a team of trained healthcare professionals who provide emotional and practical support.
Your financial contributions will also help fund leading-edge research, translating to life-saving new treatments and rapid access to clinical trials. With more than 100 types of different blood cancers, there are plenty of Australians who rely on the support given by amazing charities like the Leukaemia Foundation.
Why it stands out: Helping people with various types of blood cancer for 50 years.
Who this might suit: Those wanting to support research into life-saving treatments for Australians.
23. The Clontarf Foundation
Best for supporting indigenous communities.
Founded in the 2000, The Clontarf Foundation strives to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, so they’re equipped to participate more meaningfully in society.
Why it stands out: 148 academies within 158 schools across Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
Who this might suit: Those passionate about helping the indigenous communities of Australia.
24. The Fred Hollows Foundation
Best for community eye care.
Since 1992, The Fred Hollows Foundation is a development organisation working in more than 25 countries, including Australia. The funds they raise help train and empower local eye doctors, nurses and health workers to create a sustainable system of care in the communities that need it most. The foundation believes that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, should have access to affordable eye health.
Just a $25 donation can be used to fund someone’s cataract treatment, which may be all it takes to restore someone’s sight.
Why it stands out: An organisation focused on teaching, supporting and empowering people to provide and access eye care.
Who this might suit: Those who want to support eye care in under-privileged communities.
25. Helping Hand
Best for aged care in South Australia.
Established in 1953, Helping Hand has helped support older South Australians for 70 years. In total, this not-for-profit organisation supports over 7,000 Aussies in Adelaide and regional South Australia. They endeavour to make people feel at home, whether they’re in one of their residential homes, their own home or in their workplace.
Why it stands out: When you donate to Helping Hand, you can choose to support a specific project, such as their Dementia Scholarship, or by giving a more general donation that can be used across the organisation.
Who this might suit: People wanting to support specific aged care projects in South Australia.
Start a GoFundMe
Now that you have a clear idea of some of the best Australian charities to donate to, you’re ready to choose the specific organisation you want to support and set up a fundraiser. It couldn’t be easier to start a GoFundMe and begin crowdfunding for the good cause you’ve chosen. But there are a few steps you can take to really help your fundraiser shine and hopefully see more donations roll in.
- Write a compelling fundraising story: When you’re setting up your fundraiser, it’s important to think about a compelling story. Share as much detail as you feel comfortable with about why you’re supporting this specific cause. People identify and empathise with personal stories and emotional appeals.
- Use pictures and videos: Along with a fundraiser story, you can add videos and images to your fundraising page to help illustrate what you’re doing. Visual elements catch the eye and often improve motivation to give.
- Share your fundraiser: A really important part of starting a GoFundMe is to shout about it. Share your fundraiser on social media when you kick it off and explain what you’re doing. Use group chats or email lists for friends and family to send it out to.
- Post updates: Your generous supporters will be interested in what you’re doing. You can easily post updates to your GoFundMe page – do this each time you smash a target or host an event. Not only does this encourage more people to donate, but it also gives them much-valued transparency.
Fundraising ideas
There are loads of brilliant, creative ways that you can use to really maximise your fundraising. Why not think about:
- Fundraising in a team: There are multiple benefits to fundraising in a team. There are multiple hands to help, and fundraising together can boost morale. Gather a group of friends or colleagues to band together and get raising for that good cause.
- Host a fundraising event: Organise a sports day in your local community and ask for a small contribution to get involved. Or host a bake sale or a morning tea at work. There are plenty of other fundraising ideas on our blog, too.
- Sporting challenge: Signing up for a fitness challenge and getting sponsors is a really effective way to fundraise. Whether you’re a gym bunny or a complete novice, there’s a fitness challenge to suit any ability.
- A benefit dance: A themed benefit dance with entry fees going to charity is a fun way to raise funds.
- Hold an auction: Ask local businesses to donate goods or services in return for promoting their brands in your fundraiser. Winning bids become cash donations.
- Seasonal events: Consider linking your fundraising to seasonal events. Summer is a great time to host a garden party or BBQ and ask for donations on entry. Easter could work for Easter egg hunting, and there are plenty of seasonal activities linked to Christmas, too.
Whatever your ideas, keep them simple. Make it easy and clear to see what you’re doing, who or what it helps, and why it matters so much to you. People are more likely to donate when they can instantly grasp why it’s so important and it touches them in a personal way.
If you’re still in need of a bit more inspiration, have a look at our post on easy ways to fundraise.
Start helping your favourite cause today
Inspired? Fundraising for charity is a great way to make a positive impact on the world and support causes that matter to you. Whether you are raising awareness, helping those in need or bringing people together to work towards a common goal, there are so many reasons to fundraise for your favourite Australian charities.
You can raise money for almost any charity you want using GoFundMe. You can set up a page in seconds, and start fundraising immediately. The GoFundMe platform is easy to use, as well as fast.
Our crowdfunding experts have produced fundraising resources to help Aussies raise as much money for their chosen cause as possible. We know how busy you are, which is why you can fundraise on the go with our app.
We’re proud our service is so easy and so fun to use. And just in case you need them, our customer support operates seven days a week, across all hours.
There are so many ways to get involved to help the best Australian charities in this list – and so many reasons why GoFundMe is the best way to get involved.