Every year, Australians give nearly $14 billion to charities. Yet most of that doesn’t come from millionaires or corporate organisations – it comes from everyday people like you.
Have you ever thought that your donation won’t make a difference?
The common misconception is that you need to give big to support a cause or charity. When in reality, your $5 or $10 donation can stretch remarkably far.
Why your donations matter
Generosity plays a vital role in creating tangible and positive change in our communities. It can protect our reef, provide a safe house for people fleeing violent situations or improve health outcomes for sick and vulnerable children.
Generosity matters – it represents a decision to care and support something bigger than us.
A recent Australian Charities Report revealed that in the 2022-2023 period, Australians donated over $13.9 billion to charities and not-for-profits, marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year. But at the same time, charities across Australia are experiencing unprecedented demand for their programs and services.
At the Children’s Hospital Foundation, demand for our support has increased by 32% since COVID. Inpatient hospital admissions at Queensland Children’s Hospital have also increased 29% in this time. Generosity is more important than ever and Australians are stepping up to respond to this need.
How much is enough?
One of the biggest questions we get asked is around “how much is enough?”. For us, the short answer is – all donations make an impact for sick Queensland kids.
The idea of “enough” is deeply personal. Generosity should be sustainable and meaningful over time and can evolve as your values and financial circumstances change. The most important thing is to move from intention to action, even if you start small.
Guidelines to help you decide
When it comes to deciding how much to donate, there is no single formula. But there are some helpful frameworks that can guide you – based on your income, lifestyle and values.
- “Give what you can”: The “give what you can” model is highly personalised – there is no fixed amount. It asks you to give what you can afford, without compromising your values, lifestyle or financial stability.
- 1% giving rule: The 1% giving rule offers a practical and accessible starting point, encouraging you to donate 1% of your annual income to charity. It is designed to make giving feel achievable and sustainable and highlights how small and consistent contributions can drive meaningful impact.
- Budget models: Some people like to treat their donations like any other reoccurring expense through building it into their budget. A simple model like the 50/30/20 budget rule can be adjusted to include donations as part of your discretionary 30% spend. You can also take it one step further and consider committing to a monthly donation to make giving part of your routine.
Help make hospital feel more like home
At the Children’s Hospital Foundation, we help kids who call all parts of Queensland home.
This tax time, your donation helps fund ground breaking research, innovative therapies, a library service, play spaces and toy drives, to help make hospital feel more like home for sick Queensland kids.
To make a tax-deductible donation, head to childrens.org.au/home today.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
