Understanding the Landscape: Australian Charities Sorted by Size

The charity sector in Australia is a meaningful force for good. By the numbers:

• Number and Diversity: Australia is home to 60,572 registered charities¹, showcasing a vast and diverse sector.
• Economic Contribution: The sector contributes materially to the Australian economy, with an estimated annual revenue of ~$200 billion¹.
• Volunteer Reliance: Approximately 3.5 million Australians volunteer for charities¹, highlighting the strong dependency on unpaid labor.

The size of charities in Australia differs materially. Referencing data from the Australian Charities Report - 10th Edition, produced by the ACNC, we can see the breakdown of the sector by revenue category below.

Over half of the charities in Australia operate on revenues of less than $250k per annum¹. This means the contributions of volunteers, donors and supporters is particularly important for this group, where small fluctuations in contributions can meaningfully impact their operations.

What comes as a surprise to most is the fact that more than 30% of charities have revenues of less than $50,000 per annum¹.

Knowing where to apply the data

For donors and volunteers, understanding the size of a charity can be crucial. Smaller charities might offer a more personal connection and direct impact, while larger ones could provide the assurance of sustained projects and perhaps more extensive volunteering programs. For policymakers, these insights are invaluable for crafting supportive regulations and aid that consider the unique challenges faced by each segment. What can't be understated is the scale of the goodwill the sector reflects.