We all want to do good in the world. But sometimes it can be pretty overwhelming to choose where to send our help when there are so many Australian charities across the country that cater to various disadvantaged groups—from education and literacy to animal welfare. But do not worry, your heart is in the right place. You may just be experiencing what many people call “choice overload”. 

Different people are drawn to different advocacies—not because they do not value the rest, but because certain advocacies may have resonated with them through their personal experiences in the past. Those who may have experienced or seen struggles in accessing quality health care may have a soft spot for those who can be ill but cannot afford medical treatments. Some may have felt a loving connection to their pets and animals around them and choose to advocate for lives that also deserve to enjoy a good life on this earth. 

Whatever you advocate for, there are registered Australian charities whose projects span locally and overseas and will help you contribute to the kind of good you want to see in the world. These are not ranked from best to worst; rather, we would like to give you a variety of options that could resonate with you. 

 

Black-and-white clinic scene: a mother and child consult a seated doctor in a white coat, creating a serious, attentive healthcare moment.

 

Australian Charities Supporting Health and Medical Support

The Fred Hollows Foundation

This foundation has been preventing avoidable blindness in impoverished communities. Their dedication to accessible eye care across 25 countries has already screened over 6 million people. 

Australian Red Cross

With the Red Cross having more than 110 years of service, they continue to “act locally and connect globally to deliver what’s needed, when it’s needed most.” To this day, they are supporting communities affected by conflict and disaster around the world, providing medical services and running regular blood donation drives. 

Cancer Council Australia

The Cancer Council provides community support, financial assistance, and practical support services for Australians affected by cancer. 

 

Black-and-white photo of hands passing a bowl of rice at a communal meal, conveying generosity, care, and shared nourishment.

 

Australian Charities Supporting Food Security

Foodbank Australia

Foodbank Australia has a straightforward goal: “Getting food to Aussies who need it” by distributing food and groceries to its network of frontline charities across the country. They also advocate reducing food waste, source quality produce, and offer practical solutions to cooking healthy on a budget. 

OzHarvest

Now Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, they save food from ending up in landfills and deliver it to charities that help those who are hungry. They also create active efforts to educate people and advocate for food security and to counter food waste. 

FareShare

Fareshare is Australia’s largest charity kitchen. They transform surplus food into ready-to-eat meals that are distributed to people and disadvantaged communities. 

 

Black-and-white backstage scene: women gathered around a booth, one looks toward the camera, with Nepali writing on a chalkboard behind them.

 

Australian Charities Against Human Trafficking

Captivating International

Captivating International intercepts vulnerable girls susceptible to human trafficking in Nepal, prevents Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of children (OSAEC), and educates the youth in these countries about the risks of interacting with pimps and predators online and in real life.  

Hagar Australia

Hagar Australia prevents modern slavery, exploitation, and abuse in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. 

International Justice Mission Australia

International Justice Mission partners with local justice systems globally to advocate for safer communities through strengthening justice systems, rescuing and restoring victims, bringing criminals to justice, and scaling demand for protection.

 

Black-and-white photo of women gathered outdoors, discussing paperwork as one woman writes; the candid scene conveys community and support.

 

Australian Charities Supporting Gender Equality and Women’s Rights 

ActionAid Australia

This Australian charity empowers women who are experiencing climate crisis, conflicts, and emergencies. 

Plan International Australia

Plan International works alongside local communities in over 80 countries around the world through long-term development programs like ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), providing education for girls, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and more. 

Captivating International

Captivating International empowers women and girls across China, Nepal, and the Philippines by providing scholarships, preventing child marriage, rescuing victims of human trafficking, providing legal aid to abuse victims, and offering livelihood projects through microfinance and entrepreneurship. 

 

Black-and-white classroom scene with children writing at worn desks, a chalkboard behind them, and a focused student in the foreground.

 

Australian Charities Supporting Education and Literacy 

The Smith Family

This charity profoundly believes that education is one of the most powerful change agents in the world. They focus their work on young Australians to overcome educational inequality brought by poverty. 

Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF)

ALNF believes in providing strong literacy and numeracy education to every individual. They support refugees in keeping their cultures alive through it. 

Captivating International

Captivating International believes that educating women and girls through formal or alternative education helps prevent them from becoming child brides and victims of human trafficking. 

 

Black-and-white photo of a joyful family walking hand in hand through a wooded park, with blooming trees, grass, and tall trunks behind them.

 

Australian Charities Supporting Indigenous Community Empowerment 

Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)

ILF acknowledges the First Nations peoples, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a community-led charity organisation that helps communities to create and publish their stories in their languages of choice. 

Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF)

Since 2007, AIEF has been helping indigenous students access world-class education and careers.

Children’s Ground

As a First Nations-led nonprofit organisation, it works to end extreme poverty, injustice, and inequity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. They focus on education and early learning, health, employment, culture, and language. 

 

Black-and-white photo of a smiling hijab-wearing mother hugging her young daughter, with a monitor and blurred person in the background.

 

Australian Charities Supporting Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support 

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)

ASRC provides support to people seeking asylum in Australia. They work on the frontlines to help asylum seekers from persecution and destitution, as they help uphold their dignity while empowering them. 

Jesuit Refugee Service Australia (JRS)

JRS programs focus on access to education, emergency assistance, healthcare, livelihood activities, and social services. Australia is one of the 57 countries that help extend a helping hand to these people. 

Refugee Advice & Casework Service

This nonprofit organisation provides a straightforward form of help for asylum seekers: legal support for all nationalities. 

 

 

Black-and-white photo of a person gently cradling a relaxed black-and-white cat; a pet cage and patterned blanket appear in the background.

 

Australian Charities Supporting Animal Welfare 

RSPCA Australia 

RSPCA believes in the welfare of “all creatures great and small.” They provide local shelter for rescue animals, veterinary care, and support for farm and injured wildlife when possible. 

Animals Australia

Animals Australia investigates animal cruelty cases, runs public awareness and educational campaigns, while lobbying governments to protect all kinds of animals. 

WIRES

WIRES, or Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service, provides emergency response to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. 

Conclusion

Donating to charities not only helps other people—it is a testament to yourself that you know what you value, and you contribute to making true the good that you want to see in the world. After all, despite all our differences, we all have more in common as creatures inhabiting this earth. Ready to change the lives of women and girls in Nepal, China, and the Philippines? Donate today.

The Bigger Picture