Media release: Can Australia become a more generous nation? Global leaders gather in Brisbane to confront our giving paradox

Two-thirds of Australians give, yet donations represent a smaller share of income than
the global average

Brisbane, Queensland – 1 September 2026

Australia is one of the world’s wealthiest nations, yet new global research suggests wealth alone does not create generosity. 

This year’s World Giving Donor Insights Report found that 66 per cent of Australians engaged in some form of giving in 2025 and 56 per cent donated to charity. However, Australians contributed an average of 0.8 per cent of their income, less than people in some countries with far fewer economic resources. 

The research also highlights the importance of community connection. Countries where people feel a strong sense of belonging give almost three times more, as a share of income, than countries where people feel least connected. The findings suggest generosity flourishes not only through financial capacity, but through trust, participation, and shared social norms. 

The report comes as more than 1,000 leaders from philanthropy, government, business and civil society prepare to gather in Brisbane next week for the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026.  

Under the theme Mobilising Generosity. Shaping the Future., the Conference will explore the role of generosity in addressing some of the defining challenges of our time, including AI and the public good, rebuilding trust in an age of polarisation, climate action, community-led change, First Nations perspectives on generosity and the responsibilities that come with wealth and influence. 

The event also marks Philanthropy Australia’s 50th anniversary and will look ahead to the future of giving in Australia. 

Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia, said Australia has an opportunity to build a stronger culture of giving.  

 “Australia doesn’t have a shortage of generous people. The bigger question is how we make generosity more visible, more connected to community and more deeply embedded in our culture. Building a more generous nation is not simply about increasing donations, it’s about strengthening the conditions that encourage people to contribute, participate and care.” 

“The evidence tells us that people give more when they feel connected, trust the organisations creating change and see generosity as something that is valued.” 

“At a time when Australia is grappling with profound technological, environmental and social change, we should be asking what role generosity can play in shaping the kind of country we want to become. The Conference is an opportunity to bring together people from across sectors to consider how we build a stronger culture of giving.”

The program features influential thinkers, practitioners and changemakers from Australia and around the world working at the forefront of philanthropy, technology, climate action, social cohesion and community leadership, including: 

• Dex Hunter-Torricke (UK), Founder of Center for Tomorrow and former adviser to leaders at SpaceX, Meta, Google and the United Nations 

• Joshua Amponsem (Ghana), Co-Executive Director of the Youth Climate Justice Fund and one of Africa’s most influential climate leaders 

• Trista Harris (USA), Philanthropic futurist and President of FutureGood 

• Tim Dixon (UK), Co-founder of More in Common and global expert on social cohesion and polarisation 

• Dr Kyle Turner (Australia), Wiradjuri epidemiologist and AI researcher focused on equitable technology outcomes 

• The Hon David Janetzki MP (Australia)– Queensland Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership 

The Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the core Conference running from 8–10 September. 

Media interviews are available with: 

• Maree Sidey, CEO, Philanthropy Australia 

• Darrell Wade, Chair, Philanthropy Australia 

• Australian and international Conference speakers 

Media enquiries 

Stacey Knott, Senior Lead, Media & Content 
Philanthropy Australia 
[email protected]