New research reveals one in two Aussies aren’t maximising charitable tax savings

• Revealing research shows Aussies are missing out on their charitable tax savings with one in eight never having donated
• Global poverty found to be one of the key causes most in need of support, with just over a quarter of those donating to charity, willing to support such causes
• CARE Australia is urging Australians to focus on supporting women to make more of a lasting impact on global poverty, with one woman bringing four others with her when she escapes poverty

New research released today found that despite four in five Australians (80 per cent) being aware they can claim charitable donations over $2 in their tax-return, the disheartening reality is that awareness isn’t converting to contribution.

The research, commissioned by humanitarian aid not-for-profit CARE Australia, was developed to drill down into the charitable habits of Australians at tax time. While findings showed many Australians are flexing their philanthropic muscles, half (50%) have admitted they aren’t donating every year, with one in eight Australians claiming to have never donated to charity in their life.

“We are so grateful for all of the support CARE Australia has received over the years and want to thank those who are regularly donating. Thanks to funds raised in 2021-2022, we were able to assist 1.44 million people across 14 countries who are living in poverty or affected by war, disasters, or climate crises. Seeing these statistics really shows how much more we could do if more Australians considered donating at tax time – effectively doubling these results,” said Peter Walton, CEO of CARE Australia.

When asked what sectors Australians would be most likely to donate to, an outstanding 61 per cent identified healthcare as the most popular choice.

There is one sector, however, that has fallen behind. Global poverty is still as prominent of an issue as ever before, however, just over a quarter (27 per cent) of Australians have listed the sector as an area they would be willing to donate to.

Speaking to the findings, Mr Walton added, “Tackling the global poverty crisis is only becoming more urgent as we face concurrent crises; global economic inflation, climate emergencies, the COVID-19 pandemic, war, and a global hunger emergency. As humanitarians we deliver lifesaving and essential services on a shoestring budget, but we can’t afford to let support slip if we want to make change and support the most at-risk in these crises.”

Off the back of this new research, CARE Australia is urging Australians to use their tax-deductible funds ahead of the end-of-financial year to donate to charities that strive to make a difference to those affected by global poverty.

“Addressing this issue isn’t something we are going to solve overnight, and this sector needs the support of many more Australians to defeat global poverty,” added Mr Walton. “Living in poverty is already a daily struggle for survival. And when disaster strikes, that struggle becomes even greater. Donations from Australians are vital to help those living in disaster-prone regions survive, while also providing their own financial benefit by reducing donors’ taxable income.

“At CARE, we put women and girls at the heart of our work because they bear the brunt of global poverty. But they are also the solution because when a woman has the tools and opportunity to lift herself out of poverty, she’ll bring four others with her — that’s a powerful multiplier which really maximises the impact of donations.”

Ambassador for CARE Australia, Antoinette Lattouf echoed this sentiment; “That’s why I am partnering with CARE Australia this year, to help spread the word of the importance of supporting organisations who are fighting global poverty in a time of global conflict and economic downturn. CARE Australia invests in women because they are the key to defeating poverty. Make a tax-deductible donation if you can this year – your support has never been more important.”

CARE’s research has shown 53 per cent of Australians are planning to make a donation before June 30. There’s no better time for the large remainder of the population to find a cause they care about, not just to make a lasting impact but to reap the financial benefits this tax season.

To learn more and find out how you can make a difference, visit https://www.care.org.au/ways-to-give/