Fast Facts & Statistics on Philanthropy

How many foundations are there in Australia and how much do they give?

The lack of mandatory reporting makes it impossible to give accurate data, but we estimate that there are over 2000 foundations in Australia giving between half a billion and one billion dollars per annum.

What is the oldest foundation in Australia?

We believe the oldest philanthropic foundation in Australia to be the Wyatt Benevolent Institution, established in 1881.

What are the largest foundations in Australia?

See our Australia's 15 Largest Foundations Fact Sheet for a list of large foundations.

What is the total size of giving in Australia?

The Giving Australia report of October 2005 estimates the total giving of money, goods and services to not-for-profit organisations by individuals and businesses to total $11 billion per year, which excludes giving in response to the Asian tsunami crisis in late 2004/early 2005).

How much is donated by individuals in Australia?

The Giving Australia report of October 2005 puts individual and household giving at $7.7 billion from 13.4 million people, or 87% of adult Australians, in the year to January 2005.

This figure can be broken down into $5.7 billion given in donations (excluding giving to the 2004 Tsunami appeal) and $2 billion through funds raised via charity events and 'charity gambling' (ie. raffles, lotteries and gaming activities).

How much is donated by business in Australia?

The Giving Australia report of October 2005 estimates this at $3.2 billion from 525,900 businesses, or 67% of all businesses in the 2003-04 financial year.