Australia boasts a vibrant nonprofit sector, featuring dedicated individuals and organizations actively addressing social issues to create a positive community impact.
This article highlights 25 outstanding nonprofit organizations in Australia at the forefront of driving change in the country. Read on!
The nonprofit sector in Australia is a dynamic and vital component of the nation’s social fabric, contributing significantly to the well-being of communities across the continent.
Comprising a diverse range of organizations driven by social, environmental, and humanitarian causes, these nonprofits play a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges.
Nonprofit organizations in Australia hold immense importance as catalysts for positive change. Their impact transcends sectors, reaching into areas such as health, education, environmental conservation, and social justice.
Through their tireless efforts, these organizations strive to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society.
Top Nonprofit Organizations in Australia
- Australian Red Cross
- Salvation Army Australia
- Oxfam Australia
- Beyond Blue
- Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC)
- Guide Dogs Australia
- Australian Refugee Association
- Australian Youth Orchestra
- The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF)
- Clean Up Australia
- The Smith Family
- Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
- Cancer Council Australia
- RSPCA Australia
- Good Return
- The Fred Hollows Foundation
- St. Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies)
- Expression Australia
- World Vision Australia
- RMHC Australia (ACT & South East NSW)
- Amnesty International Australia
- The Nature Conservancy Australia
- CARE Australia
- Foodbank WA
- Oak Tree
Australian Red Cross
The Australian Red Cross is a humanitarian organization providing assistance and support to vulnerable people in Australia and around the world. It focuses on areas such as emergency response, blood donation, community services, and international aid.
Australian Red Cross, with over a century of experience, operates as a volunteer-driven organization committed to alleviating human suffering.
Boasting a community of 20,000+ members and volunteers, they engage both locally and globally to provide timely assistance.
As the Australian Red Cross, they form a collective movement of individuals dedicated to humanitarian action. Their impactful interventions span diverse areas, from disaster response, helping people find shelter and support, to respectful collaboration with First Nations peoples for a more equitable future.
Additionally, they assist those seeking safety in Australia, offering support, aiding community integration, and reuniting families.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.redcross.org.au/
- Phone: 1800733276
- Address: Australian Red Cross, GPO Box 9949, Melbourne VIC 3001
Salvation Army Australia
The Salvation Army is a Christian organization dedicated to helping those in need. In Australia, it runs various social programs, community services, and initiatives to address issues like homelessness, addiction, poverty, and domestic violence.
The Salvation Army Australia operates as an international Christian movement, bound by faith and dedicated to instilling hope where it is most needed.
Their outreach spans diverse Australian landscapes, addressing the needs of various demographics and age groups in cities, towns, and rural communities.
Established in nineteenth-century London, the organization intertwines faith and charitable work, aiming to provide comprehensive support encompassing both spiritual and social aspects.
Functioning as both a church and a charity, they actively engage with national issues while offering hope to individuals facing hardship or injustice.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/
- Address: The Salvation Army, 95-99 Railway Rd Blackburn, VIC 3130
Oxfam Australia
Oxfam Australia is part of a global movement working to combat poverty, inequality, and social injustice. It focuses on international development, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy for systemic change.
With a core belief in the equality of all lives and a commitment to challenging the current state of injustice, they work to make poverty unjustifiable and preventable in a prosperous world.
As part of a global network, Oxfam Australia collaborates with partners, allies, communities, and supporters to create positive, scalable change at various levels, both immediately and for the long term.
Taking a human rights-based approach to development, they empower individuals to claim their rights while holding duty-bearers accountable for fulfilling their obligations to citizens affected by marginalization and injustice.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.oxfam.org.au/
- Phone: 1800 088
- Email: enquire@oxfam.org.au
- Address: Oxfam Australia, Locked Bag 20004, Melbourne, Victoria 3001
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is a mental health organization in Australia that aims to provide support and raise awareness about mental health issues. It offers resources, helplines, and programs to help individuals and communities.
For over two decades, Beyond Blue has earned the trust of the community as a reliable source of information, assistance, and hope.
As one of the country’s most recognized and visited mental health organizations, they embrace the responsibility that comes with this trust.
Their commitment revolves around putting people at the center of their initiatives, whether individuals aim to maintain well-being, seek assistance during challenging times, or reconnect during recovery.
With a vision of ensuring all Australians achieve their optimal mental health, Beyond Blue collaborates with the community to enhance mental well-being and facilitate easier access to support, fostering early intervention, recovery, and sustained well-being.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Phone: (03) 9810 6100
- Address: GPO Box 1883, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia.
Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC)
AYCC is a youth-led organization dedicated to tackling climate change. It engages in advocacy, campaigns, and educational programs to mobilize young people in Australia to address environmental challenges.
With a mission to empower young individuals to take the lead in addressing climate challenges, AYCC recognizes that the youth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but also hold the potential to drive positive change.
The organization’s focus is on promoting climate justice, ensuring that those most affected by climate change can reclaim agency and actively contribute to ground-up solutions.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.aycc.org.au/
- Email: info@aycc.org.au
- Address: Australian Youth Climate Coalition, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
Guide Dogs Australia
Guide Dogs Australia provides support and assistance to people with vision impairment. The organization trains guide dogs, offers mobility services, and advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with blindness or low vision.
Guide Dogs Australia, in collaboration with its state and territory-based organizations, extends vital services to individuals of all ages who are blind or have low vision in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Although Guide Dogs Australia does not directly offer support and services, its commitment is to ensure that state and territory-based organizations deliver consistent and comprehensive assistance nationwide.
Services are provided irrespective of funding, and while government funding is utilized when available, individuals ineligible for such funding receive services at no cost, thanks to philanthropic support.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.guidedogsaustralia.com/
- Phone: 1800 484 333
- Email: info@guidedogs.com.au
- Address: 7-9 Albany Street, St Leonards NSW, Australia
Australian Refugee Association
The Australian Refugee Association (ARA) stands as the longest-serving organization dedicated to aiding the settlement of refugees in South Australia.
Originating in 1975 as ICRA (Indo-Chinese Refugee Association), ARA has continuously adapted to address the diverse challenges presented by each new refugee crisis globally.
Initially established as a grassroots movement, ARA emerged from a gathering of committed volunteers in June 1975 in Adelaide, responding to the urgent needs of refugees fleeing war and oppression in the Indo-China region.
The group’s compassionate efforts led to significant achievements in welcoming and supporting refugees, facilitating accommodation, and employment opportunities, setting a national precedent, and fostering compassionate collaborations throughout Australia.
This foundation laid the groundwork for what is now known as the Australian Refugee Association.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.australianrefugee.org/
- Phone: (08) 8354 2951
- Address: Ann St (Corner of Commercial Rd), Salisbury SA 5108
Australian Youth Orchestra
The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) stands as one of the world’s foremost and innovative training organizations for young pre-professional musicians.
The organization’s training pathway is designed to foster the musical development of Australia’s most exceptional young instrumentalists, spanning from emerging, gifted school-aged students to those on the brink of a professional career.
AYO annually offers tailored training, mentoring, and performance programs for aspiring musicians, composers, arts administrators, and music journalists aged 12 to 30.
The vision of AYO is to empower all young Australians with musical knowledge, imagination, and a deep love for music. Today, numerous AYO alumni contribute their talents to some of the world’s most renowned professional orchestras.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.ayo.com.au/
- Phone: +61 2 9356 1400
- Address: AYO Gadigal Country, Level 9, 64 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF)
The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) serves as a national charity dedicated to equipping individuals in marginalized communities with essential language, literacy, and communication skills.
With specialized and innovative programs, ALNF addresses the diverse needs of various communities, specifically focusing on First Nations, refugees, and other vulnerable Australians.
The foundation, founded in 1999 by Mary Ruth Mendel and Kim Kelly, is driven by the belief that all Australians have the right to literacy.
Their passion lies in assisting people in the most marginalized communities to acquire crucial literacy skills, enabling them to access education, and employment, and fully participate in society.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://alnf.org/
- Phone: 02 9362 3388
- Email: hello@alnf.org
- Address: The Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation, Level 1, Unit B/110 McEvoy St, Alexandria NSW 2015.
Clean Up Australia
Clean Up Australia is dedicated to environmental conservation through community-led clean-up initiatives. It organizes events, encourages waste reduction, and raises awareness about the impact of litter on ecosystems.
Clean Up Australia, founded over thirty years ago, has grown into the nation’s largest community-based environmental event. With a focus on inspiring and mobilizing communities, the organization aims to improve and conserve the environment, eliminate litter, and reduce waste.
More than 21 million Australians have participated in Clean Up Australia activities.
The organization collaborates with communities, governments, and businesses to prevent rubbish from entering the environment and addresses Australia’s ongoing environmental challenges.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.cleanup.org.au/
- Phone: 1800282329
- Email: cleanup@cleanup.com.au
- Address: Clean Up Australia, Level 4, 233 Castlereagh St Sydney NSW 2000
The Smith Family
The Smith Family is a nonprofit focused on supporting disadvantaged children and families through educational programs. It provides scholarships, mentoring, and support services to break the cycle of poverty.
Believing in the transformative power of education, The Smith Family directs its efforts towards addressing educational inequality stemming from poverty in young Australians.
Operating as a national, independent charity, they engage with thousands of children and their families daily, striving to pave the way for brighter futures.
The organization holds a steadfast belief in providing every child with the opportunity to maximize their educational potential. Recognizing the challenges arising from disadvantage, The Smith Family actively collaborates with students, families, partner schools, team members, volunteers, and supporters.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/
- Phone: 1300 326 459
- Email: tsfmktg@thesmithfamily.com.au
- Address: GPO Box 5348, Sydney NSW 2001.
Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
The ACF is committed to environmental conservation and sustainability. It engages in advocacy, campaigns, and community initiatives to protect Australia’s natural environment and promote ecological sustainability.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.acf.org.au/
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council Australia is dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer in the community.
It focuses on cancer research, prevention, support services, and public awareness campaigns.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.cancer.org.au/
RSPCA Australia
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in Australia works toward animal welfare through rescue operations, advocacy for legislative changes, and community education about responsible pet ownership.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.rspca.org.au/
Good Return
Good Return works to empower people to grow their incomes and break the poverty cycle for good by making sure they can access responsible financial services, financial education, and business skills.
Good Return works to improve the living standards of those living in the lowest poverty brackets by giving them access to the tools they need to work their way into opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.goodreturn.org.au/
The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to ending avoidable blindness globally. It conducts eye health programs, particularly in developing countries, and focuses on indigenous eye health in Australia.
Contact info:
Visit the Website: https://www.hollows.org/
St. Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies)
St. Vincent de Paul Society, or Vinnies, is a charitable organization providing support to individuals and families in need.
It operates thrift stores, offers community outreach, and relies heavily on volunteer and donation programs.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.vinnies.org.au/
Expression Australia
Founded in 1884, Expression Australia stands as a venerable not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the Deaf community.
Its enduring mission revolves around securing equal opportunities for individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or face other participation barriers.
Contact Info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.expression.com.au/
World Vision Australia
World Vision is a global humanitarian organization working towards the well-being of children and communities in need.
In Australia, it engages in child sponsorship programs, community development, and emergency response initiatives.
Contact info:
- Visit the Website: https://www.worldvision.com.au/
RMHC Australia (ACT & South East NSW)
Ronald McDonald House Canberra extends a heartwarming embrace to seriously ill children and their families, offering the invaluable gift of community support.
Established as a comforting home-away-from-home within the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, it ensures families can stay together during challenging times.
Contact Info:
Visit the Website: https://www.rmhc.org.au/programs/houses/act/ronald-mcdonald-house-canberra
Amnesty International Australia
Amnesty International is a global movement advocating for human rights. In Australia, it works to address issues such as refugees’ rights, indigenous justice, and broader human rights concerns through campaigns, research, and advocacy.
Contact info:
Visit the Website: https://www.amnesty.org.au/
The Nature Conservancy Australia
The Nature Conservancy focuses on conserving and restoring natural ecosystems. In Australia, it collaborates with communities and governments to protect biodiversity, tackle climate change, and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Contact info:
Visit the Website: https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/
CARE Australia
CARE is a global humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and providing disaster relief.
In Australia, it runs programs in education, health, and economic development to empower communities and individuals.
Contact info: Expression
Visit the Website: https://www.care.og.au/
Foodbank WA
Foodbank WA stands as Western Australia’s premier food relief organization, making substantial contributions to alleviate hunger.
Operating as a not-for-profit, non-denominational entity, it is part of the federated Foodbank Australia organization, which spans across every state and territory in the country.
Contact Info:
Visit the Website: https://www.foodbank.org.au/WA/food-assistance/
Oak Tree
As Australia’s largest youth-run international development organization, Oaktree boasts a robust support base of over 250,000 advocates.
Focused on fostering positive change, Oaktree channels its efforts into supporting youth-oriented projects spanning employment, education, and leadership across the Asia Pacific. Oaktree stands as a beacon for youth-driven impact and social change.
Contact Info:
Visit the Website: https://www.oaktree.org/
Conclusion
Above we have shed light on some of the top nonprofit organizations in Australia, recognizing their exemplary contributions and initiatives.
By delving into the missions, accomplishments, and societal impact of these nonprofits, we can see the diverse and impactful work being done across the country.
Whether focusing on health, education, or environmental issues, these organizations collectively embody the spirit of philanthropy and community service that defines Australia’s nonprofit sector.
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