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Giving Guide 2024
Giving ideas for the year’s end
Make a difference this giving season
We’ve handpicked some of our most-loved causes and organisations to help make your giving decisions easy this holiday season.
How to use this guide
- Select your area of interest or browse the full list
- Discover an organisation or cause you care about
- Make a grant request from your Australian Communities Foundation fund or donate directly.
Make a difference
this giving season
We’ve handpicked some of our most-loved causes and organisations to help make your giving decisions easy this holiday season.
How to use this guide
- Select your area of interest or browse the full list
- Discover an organisation or cause you care about
- Make a grant request from your Australian Communities Foundation fund or donate directly.
How to support these initiatives
If you have a fund at Australian Communities Foundation, the easiest way to request a grant is to log in to your Fund Portal, click the Grant Requests tab and search for the organisation under the ‘Search for other grantees’ header. If you would prefer to speak with a member of our team about your grant request, call us on 03 9412 0412 or email grants@communityfoundation.org.au
To make a direct donation to any of these initiatives, feel free to reach out to the organisation directly.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU GIVE
Don’t have a fund with us? Learn more about how we can help you get started with a smarter approach to giving.
Jump to your interest area
Choose your favourite cause area or browse the full list below.
Support Our Flagship Funds
Impact Fund
The Impact Fund is a movement of funders and changemakers working for a fairer and more sustainable Australia. Together, we support the boldest solutions to the biggest issues facing people across our country today.
Request a transfer from your fund using the instructions here
National Crisis Response Fund
The NCRF is a collective fund that focuses on filling gaps in existing crisis response. Join us in getting resources out to the communities who need them most.
Request a transfer from your fund using the instructions here
Impact Fund
The Impact Fund is a movement of funders and changemakers working for a fairer and more sustainable Australia. Together, we support the boldest solutions to the biggest issues facing people across our country today.
Request a transfer from your fund using the instructions here
National Crisis Response Fund
The NCRF is a collective fund that focuses on filling gaps in existing crisis response. Join us in getting resources out to the communities who need them most.
Request a transfer from your fund using the instructions here
Arts & Culture
Artist Relief Fund WA
Digital grocery cards for artists
WA
The Artist Relief Fund WA (ARFW) supports the people who entertain us when they need it the most. ARFW is offering digital grocery cards between now and Christmas to help performers and crew in temporary need continue to put food on the table. Read more
Common Ground
Amplifying First Nations voices and stories
National
Common Ground is a First Nations not-for-profit and collective of First Nations people changing systems through storytelling. The organisation facilitates opportunities for First Nations people to enter the storytelling space and thrive within it. Read more
Outer Urban Projects
Supporting emerging artists in Melbourne’s outer north
VIC
Outer Urban Projects collaborates with emerging artists and their communities in the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne. The organisation is on a mission to platform unheard voices, and to offer employment, training, and social and creative engagement for emerging artists and their communities in the outer north. Read more
Civic Engagement & Peacebuilding
Australian Democracy Network: Disinformation
Disinformation Masterclasses: Equipping campaigners with the tools to respond
National 
Impact Fund 2024 Partner
A healthy democracy needs an informed public, but the rise of disinformation puts this essential foundation at risk. As we approach the next federal election, this threat is more urgent than ever. The Australian Democracy Network has developed a training masterclass to equip campaigners and organisers with the tools they need to identify, assess and counter disinformation. Read more
Digital Rights Watch
Ensuring fairness, freedoms and fundamental rights in the digital world
National 
Shortlisted for the Impact Fund
Digital Rights Watch defends digital rights in Australia, ensuring fairness, freedoms and fundamental rights for all people who engage in the digital world. The organisation’s vision is for a digital world where all humanity can thrive, and where diversity and creativity flourish. Read more
PEN Australia
Protecting freedom of expression and defending writers around the globe at risk of being silenced
International
PEN Sydney has been protecting freedom of expression for more than 90 years. The organisation defends writers both in Australia and around the globe who are at risk of being silenced. The organisation’s work includes raising awareness about writers who are in prison and fighting censorship of the media, the internet and publishing. Read more
Reset Tech Australia
Advocating for policy to prevent harm to Australians in online environments
National
Reset Tech Australia specialises in research and policy on digital risks and online harms. The organisation advocates for policy to prevent harm to Australians in online environments – including harm to democracy and public debate. Read more
Think Forward
Centring intergenerational fairness in policymaking
National
Think Forward works to see intergenerational fairness and dialogue centred in Australian policymaking. The organisation is working to bring the voices of younger people into economic debate and build the case for a parliamentary inquiry into intergenerational fairness. Read more
Transparency International Australia
Tackling corruption by shining a light on illegal practices and unfair laws that weaken democracy
National
Transparency International Australia is the Australian national chapter of an international coalition against corruption, operating in over 100 countries. The organisation tackles corruption by shining a light on the illegal practices and unfair laws that weaken our democracy. Read more
Education, Training & Employment
Arise Foundation
Providing financial freedom to survivors of family violence
National
Arise Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on the empowerment of economic abuse survivors through financial freedom. Through customised programs, they work to build a community of resilient women on the path to sustainable financial independence. Read more
National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition
Mobilising First Nations youth to design their education
VIC Shortlisted for the Impact Fund
The National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition backs the voice and agency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and students. The organisation is committed to long-term, systemic change to ensure our learning systems are designed for self-determined futures, where young mob feel strong in who they are. Read more
Nullu Badi Ngudyubay Academy
Indigenous-led education in Central Queensland
QLD
The Nullu Badi Ngudyubay Academy (NBNA) will be an Indigenous Independent school in Central Queensland offering a unique educational experience for students from Year 7 – 13. The Academy’s vision is to create a culturally inspired, holistic learning environment that offers wraparound support and multi-generational engagement for students and their families. Read more
The Bread & Butter Project
Social enterprise bakery providing employment pathways for people seeking refuge and asylum
NSW
The Bread & Butter Project is Australia’s first social enterprise bakery, and since 2013, has invested 100% of profits into providing training and employment pathways for people seeking refuge and asylum, who aspire to become bakers. This program has been shown to have lasting intergenerational impact, and helps boost trainees’ prospects of successful resettlement and employment while building a strong sense of belonging. Read more
Environment, Conservation & Climate Change
Climate Justice Coalition
Building power for climate justice and uniting the movement
National Impact Fund 2024 Partner
Australia’s leading climate organisations are coming together to build a strong people-powered movement for climate action led by those most impacted by the climate crisis. As a united coalition, these organisations are working together to develop a strategy for COP31 (the 2026 UN climate summit, which Australia is likely to host) and launch publicly next year with 1,000 volunteers organising, mobilising and shifting the narrative in the lead-up to the election and COP31. Read more
For the Love of Wildlife
Combatting wildlife extinction and promoting ethical conservation
WA
For the Love of Wildlife has spearheaded several international campaigns to combat wildlife extinction and promote ethical conservation practices. The not-for-profit is currently seeking funds for the PanGaia Project – a large-scale rewilding initiative to restore outback Australia’s original savannah and revive its biodiversity. Read more
Happy Paws Happy Hearts
Connecting people experiencing social isolation through care for rescue animals
QLD, TAS + NSW
The Happy Paws Happy Hearts mission is to bring socially isolated people and rescue animals together to care for and train animals in care at local rescue shelters across Australia. Working hand in hand with RSPCA and other animal shelters, Happy Paws Happy Hearts provides a safe space and community for vulnerable people to come together and share a mutual love of animals, while learning new skills and giving back in a meaningful way. Read more
Maggie’s Rescue
Finding forever homes for companion animals
NSW
Maggie’s Rescue exists to create a world where no animal is in need of rescue. As a co-operative of volunteer foster carers and passionate animal advocates, the organisation works to find animals their forever homes through its Foster to Adopt Program. The co-operative also focuses on community education, desexing initiatives and advocacy for the introduction of new legislation to give greater protection to all animals. Read more
Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council
Protecting one of the world’s last great river systems in WA
WA
Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council is a First Nations-led organisation dedicated to protecting one of the world’s last great river systems. With the Fitzroy River under threat from unsustainable development, the Council’s work is crucial in ensuring the Martuwarra Fitzory River remains intact for future generations. Read more
Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance
Locking in ambitious federal election commitments for the Murray-Darling
VIC + SA
The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance (the Alliance) is a collaboration of Conservation Councils from across the Basin joining forces to restore Australia’s largest river system back to health. The Alliance’s campaign has become the national voice advocating for Basin rivers and communities, and thanks to its work, for the first time in a decade the federal government has made a serious commitment to restore the rivers of the Murray-Darling. Read more
Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network
Building a movement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people for climate justice
National Shortlisted for the Impact Fund
Seed is building a movement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people for climate justice. The Network’s vision is for a just and sustainable future with strong cultures and communities, powered by renewable energy. Seed amplifies the voices of frontline communities most affected by climate change, recognising that they hold the knowledge and solutions for a climate-just future. Read more
First Nations Leadership
Common Threads
A new organisation and fund to harness the power of First Nations movements
National Impact Fund 2024 Partner
Common Threads is a new organisation that harnesses the power of emerging First Nations leadership and changemaking. Led by a First Nations team with expertise in movement building, Common Threads exists to support First Nations leaders to deliver policy wins that create a fairer, more sustainable future for all. Read more
Kimberley Aboriginal Womens Council
Aboriginal women and girls leading the charge for gender justice and equality across the Kimberley
WA
The Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council (KAWC) is a community-controlled organisation led by Aboriginal women and girls, dedicated to fostering environments where they can thrive and leading the charge for gender justice and equality across the Kimberley. Read more
Woor-Dungin
Partnerships for self-determination: Connecting First Nations leaders with supporters
VIC
Woor-Dungin is a not-for-profit organisation walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples toward self-determination. The organisation connects First Nations-led organisations with donors and pro bono supporters, and encourages the development of networks and skills. Read more
Health, Wellbeing & Medical Research
Health Justice Australia
Helping health, legal and social services work together to better support people with complex and intersecting needs
National
Health Justice Australia helps health, legal and social services work together to better support people with complex and intersecting needs. The organisations works to change how systems respond to complexity through evidence-based innovation and strategic advocacy. Read more
Rural Doctors Foundation
Rural doctors giving country people better health
National
Rural Doctors Foundation is a national rural health charity that exists to give those in rural and remote regions better access to lifesaving healthcare. Led by rural doctors and community members, the organisation works on projects that directly help rural and remote people improve the health of their communities. As well as farming communities, and regional townships, the organisation supports First Nations health and the vibrancy of Indigenous communities. Read more
Technology for Ageing and Disability SA
Assistive technology for people living with disabilities
SA
Technology for Ageing and Disability SA (TADSA) is at the forefront of innovation for independence for people living with disabilities. Using the power of Assistive Technology, TADSA enhances people’s lives by creating transformative solutions for inclusive development, fostering accessibility, participation and community engagement. Read more
Housing & Homelessness
A Place to Call Home
Co-creating a rental system that works for everyone
National Impact Fund 2024 Partner
A Place to Call Home is a new national campaign bringing together renters and some of Australia’s leading not-for-profits with expertise in housing. Anika Legal, Better Renting and the Consumer Policy Research Centre are working with renters to build a national roadmap for a rental system that works for everyone and offers renters safe, secure and affordable homes. Read more
Everybody’s Home Campaign
Campaigning for more social and affordable homes to fix Australia’s housing crisis
National Shortlisted for the Impact Fund
Everybody’s Home is a national campaign to fix the housing crisis. An Impact Fund Partner, the campaign was launched by a coalition of housing, homelessness and welfare organisations to achieve the change needed so everybody has a safe and decent place to live. The campaign is focused on advocating for more social and affordable housing and providing immediate relief for Australians in chronic rental stress. Read more
Wilya Janta
Promoting agency in the design and construction of housing in remote First Nations communities
NT Shortlisted for the Impact Fund
Seeking to re-invent the remote housing design and construction lifecycle, Wilya Janta puts the tenant at the centre of the design process with the core aim of building culturally appropriate homes. Wilya Janta is currently working with communities in Tennant Creek to build demonstration homes, with a view to engaging larger-scale housing initiatives and government funders, and replicating the consultative process to facilitate communities’ visions of affordable, well-designed housing. Read more
Individual & Family Services & Support
Multicultural Youth SA
Leadership, advocacy and direct support services for multicultural young people and families in SA
SA
Multicultural Youth South Australia Inc (MYSA) is a leading community-based, not-for-profit organisation that provides a diverse range of services and programs to support young people and young families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds living in South Australia. Read more
Orana House
Crisis accommodation for women and children in WA affected by family violence
WA
Orana House provides crisis accommodation and wraparound services to women and children in WA affected by family violence. The organisation is seeking funding for its Court Support service to accompany clients in court and help them navigate the stressful process of applying for restraining orders. Read more
Refugee Advice & Casework Service
Providing legal support to people who have fled persecution to find safety in Australia
National (based in NSW)
The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) is a nonprofit providing essential legal support to people who have fled persecution to find certainty and safety in Australia. Applying for protection in Australia is a complex and arduous process. RACS lawyers provide trauma-informed legal support for people of all nationalities, religions and gender identities, and advocate for fairer and more humane asylum policies. Read more
Sisters Inside
Supporting criminalised women, girls, children and families
QLD
Sisters Inside is an independent community organisation based in Queensland, which advocates for the collective human rights of women and girls in prison, and their families, and provides services to address their individual needs. The organisation provides services in all women’s prisons in Queensland, and works with women, girls and their children post-release in the community. With an overarching goal of reducing the number of women in prison, the organisation also supports women to avoid going to prison in the first place, to apply for parole as soon as they are eligible, and to stay out of prison following release. Read more
StreetSmart Australia
Housing support for people facing systemic barriers
National (based in VIC)
StreetSmart takes action against homelessness by raising vital funds and awareness for small, ‘hard to reach’ grassroots homeless services and projects. StreetSmart’s end-of-year appeal is raising funds for people facing systemic barriers to housing, including people with companion animals, children and young people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Read more
International Aid & Development
ActionAid Australia
A global movement of women standing together to claim their human rights and campaign against injustice
International
ActionAid Australia works across 70 countries and represents a global movement of women standing together to claim their human rights and campaign against injustice. ActionAid partners with local women’s organisations, who know exactly what changes their communities need – and support them to design and lead programs that will make those changes happen. The organisation focuses on three priority areas: climate justice, economic justice, and women’s rights in emergencies. Read more
Grass Skirts Project
Advancing gender justice in Papua New Guinea through sports
International (PNG)
Grass Skirt Project (GSP) pioneers social change in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by harnessing the unifying power of sports to address gender-based violence and promote equality. The organisation works to challenge societal norms, empower communities, and foster a culture of respect and equality, making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable PNG. Read more
Social Inclusion & Justice
Antipoverty Centre
People with direct experience of poverty and unemployment leading advocacy for better social policy
National
The Antipoverty Centre is a collective of activists, advocates and researchers with direct, contemporary experience of poverty and unemployment. The Centre’s mission is to shift how people speak about and respond to poverty and unemployment. The Centre works with other grassroots groups to ensure the voices and rights of people on the lowest incomes are at the centre of social policy development and discourse. Read more
Human Rights Law Centre
Strategic legal action and advocacy to support communities to eliminate inequality and injustice
National Shortlisted for the Impact Fund
The Human Rights Law Centre uses strategic legal action, policy solutions and advocacy to support people and communities to eliminate inequality and injustice and build a fairer, more compassionate Australia. The Centre’s vision is for an Australia where everyone is free to lead a decent, dignified life; where our laws, policies and institutions promote fairness and equality; and where people and communities have the power to address inequality and injustice, and ensure that governments always act in the public interest. Read more
Racial Justice Centre
Using the legal system to achieve racial justice
National
The Racial Justice Centre is Australia’s first community legal service for racial justice. Founded by lawyers with extensive legal expertise and experience of intersectional discrimination, the Centre exists to eliminate racism and racial injustice, using the legal system, education and reform. Read more
Trans Justice Project
Building a powerful trans-led movement for justice and equality
National
The Trans Justice Project (TJP) is the first, trans-led, national campaigning organisation. Its mission is to build a powerful, trans-led movement standing up for freedom, justice, and equality for all trans and gender diverse people. TJP works with communities, loved ones, and allies to bring about a future where all trans people are safe, celebrated, and free. Currently, TJP is focused on combatting anti-trans disinformation by helping network and coordinate the responses of broader civil society. Read more
Gift Ideas with Impact
Savvy Giving: A roadmap for contemporary philanthropy in Australia
Savvy Giving: A roadmap for contemporary philanthropy in Australia is the latest edition of the essential guide to contemporary giving in Australia. As a not-for-profit collaboration between Australian Communities Foundation and philanthropy expert Genevieve Timmons, Savvy Giving is a great ethical gift idea for the giving season. All proceeds from the sale of the book support ACF’s mission to activate giving for a fairer and more sustainable Australia.
Curated with Conscience: Ethical and sustainable Christmas hampers
Curated with Conscience offers hampers filled with goods from purpose-driven businesses. The organisation’s vision is to see these businesses thrive, normalise the practice of ethical procurement, and financially support social justice, humanitarian and environmental protection not-for-profits.
Supply Nation: First Nations businesses
Supply Nation’s Festive Season Catalogue features a selection of Certified Indigenous businesses offering diverse products and services. From apparel to children’s books, hampers and products infused with native ingredients, there is something for everyone.
Welcome Merchant: Refugee Powered Business Directory
Welcome Merchant features over 150 businesses in Australia that are owned by refugees and people seeking asylum. As a social enterprise, Welcome Merchant acts as a directory, making it easy for conscious shoppers to find unique gift hampers and products and cultural events operated by underrepresented entrepreneurs, all while making a meaningful social impact.
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Shop: Feminist Maker’s Store
Each gift purchased from QVWC SHOP this festive season directly invests in Victorian women entrepreneurs and women-led small businesses.
Mettle: Gift boxes supporting women experiencing homelessness
Mettle is a national gift delivery service employing women who are experiencing homelessness due to domestic and family violence.
Asylum Seekers Centre: Gifts supporting people seeking asylum
The Asylum Seekers Centre provides practical and personal support for people in the Sydney community seeking asylum. Every purchase helps the Centre to continue to welcome, empower and support people seeking asylum.
The Big Issue: Gifts supporting people experiencing homelessness
The Big Issue supports and creates work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage. Gift options include the Big Issue’s 2025 Calendar, magazines and subscriptions.