New Roy Morgan data shows that 58% of Australians aged 14+ (an estimated 13.2 million Australians) donated an average of $594 in 12 months to charity, contributing approximately $7.9 billion.
Donations have followed a steady upward trend since June 2015, with a few slight dips in recent periods over the last decade – including during the last year as cost-of-living concerns became prevalent, even as official inflation decelerated rapidly over the last two-and-a-half years.
Average annual charitable donations continue to grow – but at a slower pace since 2021
Over the last decade, the average size of charitable donations made by Australians has grown significantly. In 2015-16, the average charitable donation per donor was $334. The average charitable donation per donor increased by $166 (+50%) in the next five years to an average of $500 in 2020-21.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth in the size of the average charitable donation has continued, but at a slower pace, up by $94 (+19%) over the last four years to $594 in 2024-25.
Average amount donated per donor: 2015-16 vs. 2020-21 vs. 2024-25
Household income growth outpaces growth in charitable donations since 2021
This trend is also evident when examining household incomes over the last few years, which have grown by 22% since June 2021 to just under $150,000 per household in June 2025.
This is marginally faster than the growth in average charitable donations over the same five-year period, up by $94 to $594, an increase of 19%. The divergence between the two, which generally track closely together, has opened up this year. Six months ago, average charitable donations were increasing at the same pace as household incomes, both rising by 21% from June 2021 to December 2024.
Growth in average household income and size of average charitable donations (2021-2025)
“The slowdown in the growth in average charitable donation size is no surprise given the cost-of-living crisis faced by millions of Australians in recent years, as we faced the highest level of inflation in over three decades, which peaked at 7.8% in the 12 months to December 2022,” said Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine.
Read also: More charities struggle to meet community demand for donated essentials
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
Trending
Popular
