The people supporting Charities in Australia

Australia's community spirit is best shown by its charity sector which is driven by the dedication of volunteers and employees alike. Approximately 5.0 million Australians volunteer for or are employed by a charity (or both)². Despite facing challenges, this sector continues to play a pivotal role in providing essential services and contributing significantly to the national economy.

The latest report from the Australian Charities and Nonprofits Commission (ACNC) titled the Australian Charities Report - 10th Edition was released in 2024. Data collected by the ACNC for the 2022 reporting period reveals a lot about the human capital within the sector. Notably, the report highlights a decline in the number of volunteers over recent reporting periods.

Understanding the Volunteer Workforce

Volunteering is a cornerstone of the Australian charity sector, with millions dedicating their time and skills to support various causes. In 2022, around 3.5 million individuals volunteered for charities, a notable decrease from the 3.77 million volunteers in 2018². This reduction raises questions about the factors influencing the willingness or ability of Australians to volunteer. Roughly half of the charities in operation in 2022 also relied entirely on volunteers, underscoring the critical role these individuals play².

Employment within the Charity Sector

The charity sector is also a significant employer, with 1.47 million paid employees in 2022, making up ~10.5% of Australia's workforce². This is comparable to major industries like construction and retail, highlighting the economic importance of charities. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the sector saw an increase in employment for the 2022 reporting period, indicating resilience and the critical role of charities in providing jobs.

Reflecting on Volunteer Decline

The decline in volunteer numbers is likely to be the result of a number of factors, noting the data surrounds the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the challenges of volunteering, from time and economic pressures is crucial for reinvigorating the volunteer workforce. Enhancing awareness of volunteer opportunities, improving access, and offering flexible volunteering opportunities could help reverse this trend. We'll attempt to find the reasons why volunteering has recently declined across Australia in other posts.

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