Australia’s charity sector continues to demonstrate resilience and community impact, even as organisations face rising costs and increasing demand for services.
According to the latest Australian Charities Report from the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), more than 53,000 charities contributed significantly to Australia’s social and economic wellbeing during the 2024 reporting period. The findings reveal a sector that is growing in scale, employing more Australians than ever, and relying heavily on the dedication of millions of volunteers.
A Major Economic and Social Force
Australian charities generated $239 billion in revenue during the reporting period, representing a 7.5% increase from the previous year. However, expenses grew even faster, rising 8.6% to $231 billion.
This trend highlights a challenge many charities know all too well: while demand for services continues to increase, so do the costs of delivering them. Rising wages, insurance premiums, utilities, and other operating expenses are placing pressure on organisations across the sector.
Despite these challenges, charities remain one of Australia's largest employers. The sector now employs approximately 1.6 million people, accounting for around 11% of the national workforce.
Volunteers Remain the Backbone of the Sector
One of the most striking findings from the report is the record number of volunteers supporting Australian charities.
Registered charities reported engaging 3.9 million volunteers; the highest number ever recorded by the ACNC. This equates to roughly 2.5 volunteers for every paid employee.
Perhaps even more telling is that 53% of charities operate without any paid staff at all, relying entirely on volunteers to deliver their mission. From local community groups and sporting clubs to emergency relief organisations and cultural associations, volunteers continue to play a critical role in strengthening Australian communities.
Funding Sources
Government funding remains the largest source of revenue for the charity sector, contributing approximately $118 billion. Revenue generated from providing goods and services accounted for $83 billion, while donations and bequests reached $14.8 billion.
Although donations declined compared with the previous reporting period, they still represented the second-highest total ever recorded. This demonstrates the ongoing generosity of Australians, even amid broader cost-of-living pressures.
Many community-based charities continue to operate with limited financial resources while addressing important local needs.
Responding to an Ageing Population
Another notable trend is the growing number of charities serving older Australians.
For the first time, adults aged 65 and over ranked among the top three beneficiary groups supported by charities. This reflects broader demographic changes occurring across Australia and suggests that demand for aged care, wellbeing, health, and community support services is likely to continue increasing in the years ahead.
Charities that support older Australians may need to prepare for continued growth in demand as the population ages.
Findings
The latest data paints a picture of a sector that is both thriving and under pressure.
Australian charities are employing more people, engaging more volunteers, and generating more revenue than ever before. At the same time, rising operating costs and growing community needs are creating challenges that many organisations must navigate carefully.
For charity leaders, the report reinforces the importance of sustainable funding, volunteer engagement, and operational resilience. For donors, policymakers, and community members, it serves as a reminder of the enormous contribution charities make to Australia's economy and social fabric.
As the sector continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: charities and their volunteers are essential to supporting communities across the country, especially during times of economic and social change.
The Australian charity sector remains one of the nation's most important contributors to community wellbeing, proving that impact is measured not only in dollars, but also in the millions of people who give their time, skills, and support to make a difference.
