Inspiration

The ACNC Releases Latest Charities Report

Last week saw the release of the latest Australian Charities Report, the 9th such report published by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) reflecting the 2021 reporting period. This report draws on data from ACNC and Australian Tax Office (ATO) data. ACNC data includes Annual Information Statements (AIS) from over 49,000 registered charities. 

Sue Woodward AM, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner commented: “As philanthropy is part of the current national conversation, with a Productivity Commission review taking place, I am pleased to present our ‘Focus on giving and philanthropy’ in this report. Our data confirms not only that philanthropists are significant in number – nearly one fifth of registered charities are grant makers – but they also play a very significant role in funding those charities we regulate.” 

The report presents an overview of the sector, highlighting charities’ significant role in Australian society. Key data points indicate: 

  • 57,000 registered charities in Australia: 
    • 65% small (less than $250k in revenue) 
    • 19% large (over $1m in revenue) – 5% very or extra-large (over $10m revenue) 
    • 18k (33%) operate with revenue of less than $50k 
  • Australia’s charity sector generated $190 billion in revenue, up $14bn (7.9%) from the previous year:
    • $13.4bn revenue from donations and bequests (up $676m 7%) 
    • $97.2bn revenue from Government (including grants 51%) with 45% of charities reporting revenue from Government 
    • $59.2bn revenue from Goods and Services (31%) 
  • Expenses increase to $175 billion (up $7.1 billion from prior period):
    • $9.7bn in grants and donations made by the sector  
    • $99 billion in employee costs 
  • 1.42 million people are employed in the sector equating to 10.5 % of the Australian workforce: 
    • Increase of 40,000 employees in the past year 
    • Increase of 111,000 employees since 2018 
    • Equal to retail and slightly ahead of construction (at 1.2 million) 
  • Decline in volunteering with reduction of 596,000 volunteers since 2018:
    • 50% of charities operate with no paid staff 
    • 3.2 million total volunteers during the period (down 180,000 on prior period) 
    • NSW leads in volunteering by volume with over 1.48 million volunteers. Queensland follows with just under 370,000 volunteers 
    • Largest volunteer charities: Clean Up Australia & Surf Life Saving 
  • Top 5 program classifications (by CLASSIE): 
    • Religion and faith-based spirituality – 21.5% 
    • Human Services – 15.9% 
    • Education – 15.6% 
    • Health – 11.2% 
    • Community Development – 9.7% 

Image: ACNC Australian Charities Report 9th Edition pg 15 

Nikki Anstis, Head of Advocacy & Engagement at Workplace Giving Australia, reflects: “It is pleasing to see the depth and breadth of registered charities in Australia and on behalf of the corporate giving sector we commend the ACNC for the work they do in registering and regulate Australia’s charities, helping charities understand and meet their obligations and helping the public understand the work of the not-for-profit sector. This is particularly important in corporate philanthropy. With a 13.8 million strong Australian workforce, workplace giving has the strength to change the landscape for charities and the community more broadly while making better workplaces for the workforce.”  

The Australian Charities Report is based on the most current data from 49,402 charities during the 2021 reporting period. The report provides a comprehensive insight into the sector, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions.