Survey Reveals First Nations Funding Gaps

Philanthropy Australia has released findings from the first national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Funders Reporting Survey, revealing that only 1.5% of total philanthropic giving in 2022–23 supported programs benefiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Published on 2 May 2025, the report provides a vital benchmark for the philanthropic sector and highlights significant opportunities to shift practice toward greater equity, self-determination, and community-led funding.

The report includes data from more than 80 philanthropic grantmakers, exploring how funders approach giving to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and organisations. It also underscores the role of cultural training in influencing positive change.

Key Findings

• In FY 2022–23, of the $12.1 billion in total philanthropic giving, just $179.9 million (1.5%) was allocated to programs benefiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Only $111.1 million (12% of the $899.1 million in total program funding) went directly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led and controlled organisations.

• Of organisations that completed cultural awareness training, 70% increased funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations—compared to only 34% of organisations that did not complete such training.

• The top 10 funders contributed $154.8 million, making up 86% of the total program funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs.

• In FY 2023–24, 60% of respondents increased total giving, and 51% increased funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations.

Sector Collaboration and Advocacy

The survey was developed in collaboration with Philanthropy Australia’s First Nations Funders Network and First Nations Governance Committee. Results were collated and visualised in an interactive dashboard developed by Seer Data & Analytics, launched at Philanthropy Australia’s 2024 National Conference.

Leah Armstrong, Chair of the First Nations Funders Network, said the data fills a long-standing gap:

“There is a wealth of information that simply has not been gathered before, and we know that development cannot come without this knowledge.”

She noted that while there are positive examples across the sector, the overall low proportion of giving to First Nations communities is “alarming.” She called for sector-wide reflection and reform:

“We encourage everyone in the sector to learn from the report and consider how your organisation can respond to the challenges it presents.”

The project was funded through a philanthropic gift from Jack Heath’s family fund, described as a “fabulous legacy” for the sector.

The findings aim to inspire more culturally informed and inclusive philanthropic practices and offer a framework for tracking progress into the future.