Listen to this article:
During the festive season, Australians rely even more on the generosity of volunteers — from lifesavers patrolling our beaches through summer, to community groups providing much needed food relief and support.
This timely reminder of the value of volunteers comes as the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) releases a new report on the impact and contribution of volunteer-run charities across the nation.
Charity by Numbers: The volunteer effect shows that throughout Australia, 22,000 charities are operated solely by volunteers.
Commissioner Sue Woodward AM said volunteer-run charities are the quiet achievers of Australia’s charity sector.
‘They are deeply embedded in our communities, often operating behind the scenes to meet local needs, strengthen social bonds, and provide services that neither government nor business can easily deliver.’
‘These organisations—from parent groups and surf lifesaving clubs to environmental collectives and faith-based communities—are powered entirely by the generosity and commitment of people giving their time.’
‘As someone who began their journey in the not‑for‑profit sector as a volunteer, I understand the value of giving time and energy to a cause,’ Ms Woodward said.
The report is a companion to the Australian Charities Report - 11th Edition, and highlights the scale and significance of this segment of the sector.
It shows that 43% of all Australian charities are solely volunteer-run, with a further 9% operating without employees or volunteers — for example, charitable trusts and giving funds that use contractors such as company trustees.
Most volunteer-run charities are small or extra small, yet their collective impact is huge. Together, they generated $4.3 billion in revenue and deliver vital services across every corner of the country.
After several years of decline, volunteer participation across all charities has returned to near record levels, reaching 3.77 million volunteers, an increase of almost 270,000 from the previous year.
The report also highlights challenges that volunteer-run charities face. With limited access to government funding and small operating structures, many feel the weight of regulatory and reporting obligations more acutely than larger organisations. This reinforces the ACNC’s ongoing work to streamline reporting across government agencies.
Ms Woodward encouraged people to explore the findings.
‘The report reflects the extraordinary contribution of volunteer-run charities. Their work is a testament to the power of people coming together to make a difference,’ she said.
Read the full report: Charity by Numbers: the volunteer effect.