Top 20 Nonprofit Organizations in Australia

Rugged coastlines, bustling cities, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong sense of community—Australia has it all. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Centre, with stories stretching back thousands of years, this is a country built on breathtaking beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant communities.

But like anywhere else, Australia has its challenges—environmental threats, social inequalities, and communities that need a little more support to thrive. That’s where some incredible organizations step in. Across every state and territory, nonprofits are helping children, protecting wildlife, supporting refugees, and making sure no one is left behind.

What are some of Australia's most popular nonprofit organizations?

Here’s our pick of the top 20 not-for-profit organizations in Australia doing stellar work to protect what matters most. From environmental and wildlife conservation to community care, these nonprofit organizations in Australia have rolled up their sleeves to make a real difference—and it shows. 

If you’re wondering how to get involved, we can help. At Goodera, we work with a massive network of nonprofits in Australia (and around the world), making it easy for you and your team to volunteer for the causes that matter most to you. Whether it’s conservation, education, or helping local communities thrive, we’ve got your back, from finding the right nonprofit to handling the logistics.

List of Nonprofit Organizations in Australia

How many nonprofits are there in Australia?

There are more than 60,000 registered charities in Australia, and that doesn’t even include the smaller, unregistered community groups doing equally meaningful work. This list is just a glimpse of the impact being made across the country.

These NPOs in Australia are working across sectors like education, healthcare, animal welfare, and more. From grassroots movements to nationwide impact-makers, these NPO examples prove that Australia’s nonprofit ecosystem is both vibrant and vital.

1. Invisible Illnesses

Focus Area(s): Health and Well-being
Primary Beneficiaries: Community, Youth, Children

Not every illness is visible, and that’s exactly why Invisible Illnesses Inc exists. Based in Western Australia, this incredible not-for-profit organization is all about supporting people living with chronic, invisible conditions like Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ADHD, Diabetes, and more.

Through regular meetups, educational programs, and advocacy work, Invisible Illnesses helps individuals feel seen, supported, and heard in a world that often overlooks what can’t be physically noticed. They also work with healthcare professionals to raise awareness about managing invisible illnesses better.

Impact so far? They’ve supported thousands of individuals across Western Australia through peer-support events, mental health programs, and awareness drives in schools and community groups. Their events not only provide much-needed solidarity but also actively work to break down the stigma surrounding invisible illnesses in Australia.

Cause areas they support:

• Chronic Illness Awareness
• Mental Health Advocacy
• Community Building
• Health Professional Training

With invisible illnesses affecting millions of Australians, this NPO is helping turn silent struggles into collective strength.

2. Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Focus Area(s): Environmental Sustainability
Primary Beneficiary: Wildlife and Ecosystems

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the country’s largest private landholder dedicated entirely to conservation. They manage over 6.5 million hectares across 31 sanctuaries and partnerships, protecting essential habitats for endangered species

With a science-first approach, AWC conducts biodiversity surveys, reintroduces native mammals, and controls feral pests. In a 2022 project to save northern quolls, they trialed artificial dens, genetic tracking, and controlled burns in collaboration with universities and First Nations groups.

Impact highlights:

• 6.5M+ hectares under active conservation
  
• 83.5% of its budget goes straight into on-field wildlife programs
  
• Supports efforts to protect critically endangered mammals and birds

When it comes to the largest not‑for‑profit environmental organizations in Australia, AWC leads the pack, not just in scale, but in measurable ecological outcomes. They’re building a legacy of lasting impact on our precious wildlife.

3. Tranby National Minority Groups (Indigenous)

Focus Area(s): Education
Primary Beneficiary: Indigenous Groups

If you’re talking about nonprofits that have shaped futures in Australia, Tranby National Minority Groups (Indigenous) has to be in the conversation. Sitting in Glebe, Sydney, Tranby has been pioneering Indigenous adult education since 1957, way before most people were even thinking about how powerful culturally supportive education could be.

From Diplomas in Legal Advocacy to Governance and Community Development, their courses help Indigenous Australians step into leadership roles in their own communities. Whether it’s learning how to advocate for land rights or how to run a nonprofit organization, Tranby gives people the skills and the cultural confidence to lead change in their own way.

Impact highlights:

• 7,000+ graduates leading in their communities
• Australia’s first Aboriginal-controlled adult education provider
• Courses built with and for Indigenous communities

4. Backpacks 4 VIC Kids

Focus Area(s): Education
Primary Beneficiary: Children

Imagine being a child suddenly placed into foster care with nothing but the clothes you’re wearing. Backpacks 4 VIC Kids steps in right at that moment. This incredible Australian nonprofit provides backpacks packed with essentials, think cozy clothes, toiletries, toys, and comfort items, to children entering foster care, kinship care, or emergency accommodation across Victoria.

Since starting out, they’ve delivered over 12,000 backpacks to children in crisis, helping ease one of the toughest transitions a child can face. Each backpack is a message: You matter. You deserve dignity. You’re not alone.

Impact Highlights:

• Over 12,000 backpacks distributed annually across Victoria.
• Supports children as young as newborns up to 17 years old.
• Partnered with foster agencies, schools, and local charities to ensure rapid response when a child is placed into care.

Backpacks 4 VIC Kids stands out among Australia’s top nonprofit organizations, showing exactly how the proper support at the right moment can give children comfort, dignity, and hope when they need it most.

Want to volunteer with nonprofits like this? Goodera can help you and your teams find meaningful volunteering opportunities to contribute, from donation drives to backpack assembly events.

5. Oak Tree

Focus Area(s): Employment and Skilling
Primary Beneficiary: Youth

With a volunteer force powered entirely by young people, Oaktree is among the largest not-for-profit organizations in Australia run entirely by youth. Their mission is simple but bold: give young Australians the skills, tools, and community they need to take on inequality. That means leadership training, advocacy workshops, public speaking coaching, digital campaigning skills, and real-world project management experience.

Oak Tree offers a platform for young people to step up, design programs, run national campaigns, and even meet with politicians to advocate for fairer policies. Whether it’s raising funds for education programs overseas or helping peers here at home engage with global issues, Oaktree is proof that young voices can really step up their game when provided with the right opportunities.

Impact Highlights:

• Over $11 million raised to fund educational projects in the Asia-Pacific region.
  
• Projects supported in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea—empowering thousands with better access to education and employment pathways.
  
• Youth-run leadership programs across Australia helping young people build skills in advocacy, public speaking, and project management.
  

As one of the largest youth-run nonprofit organizations example in Australia, Oaktree is living proof that when you give young people the mic, they don’t just speak—they lead.

Are these the biggest nonprofits in Australia, or just the most impactful?

Some of the organizations on this list operate nationwide and have massive reach. Others are smaller, grassroots groups focused on hyperlocal impact. This mix reflects the diversity of Australia’s nonprofit scene and the different ways impact can show up.

6. SevGen

Focus Area(s): Education, Employment
Primary Beneficiary: Minority Groups

SevGen (Seven Generations) isn’t just an organization—it’s a philosophy. Built on the Indigenous wisdom that today’s choices ripple through seven generations ahead, SevGen is all about thinking beyond the now and making decisions that leave a legacy of good.

Based on their 3E model, Enterprise, Education, and Entrepreneurship, SevGen empowers Indigenous Australians to reconnect with their cultural identity while building economic independence. Whether it’s through cultural tourism initiatives, creative arts enterprises, or eco-businesses, they’re helping Indigenous entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses that honor both heritage and future growth.

Impact highlights:

• Supported over 100 Indigenous entrepreneurs through mentoring and business development.
• Generated thousands of visitor engagements through cultural experiences that educate, connect, and celebrate First Nations knowledge.
• Runs Wunya Nulu Cultural Tours on the Sunshine Coast, creating both employment and cultural pride.

It’s not just about jobs—it’s about identity, dignity, and creating opportunities that reflect who people are, not just what they do.

7. Bobby Gold Smith Foundation

Focus Area(s): Health and Well-being
Primary Beneficiary: HIV/AIDS Patients 

Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) has been standing beside Australians living with HIV since 1984, making it the oldest HIV-focused nonprofit in the country. What started as a small community response during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has grown into a lifeline for thousands.

They help people navigate the day-to-day, from ensuring the fridge is stocked to providing transportation to medical appointments, managing complex financial situations, and creating spaces for social connection so that no one feels isolated.

Impact highlights:

• Supported over 1,200 people annually across New South Wales and South Australia.
• Delivered financial assistance and essential services to individuals struggling with housing, healthcare, and mental well-being.
• Runs peer support programs to reduce isolation and build confidence in people managing their diagnosis.

BGF’s work helps Australians with HIV live with independence and dignity—reminding everyone that they’re not alone, and their lives are filled with potential far beyond the diagnosis.

8. Oz Harvest Limited

Focus Area(s): Health and Well-being, Hunger
Primary Beneficiary: Economically Backwards Communities 

OzHarvest began with just one yellow van in Sydney and a big idea. Today, it’s Australia’s leading food rescue organization, on a mission to “Nourish our Country” by saving surplus, high-quality food and delivering it to people facing food insecurity, rather than letting it go to waste.

You’ve probably seen their iconic yellow vans zipping around, rescuing surplus food from supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, airlines, you name it. But OzHarvest does more than just food delivery; they tackle hunger with heart and hustle.

Impact highlights:

• Rescued over 250 million meals since launching in 2004.
• Saved over 86,000 tonnes of food from landfill, reducing harmful greenhouse gases.
• Runs education programs like NEST and FEAST to teach communities about nutrition, cooking, and sustainability.

OzHarvest is proof that tackling food waste isn’t just good for the planet, it’s life-changing for people facing food insecurity.

9. Barnardos Australia

Focus Area(s): Community Support, Health and Well-being
Primary Beneficiary: Children

Barnardos Australia has been standing up for children for over 100 years, since 1921, to be exact. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every child grows up safe, loved, and with a real chance at a brighter future.

They work hand-in-hand with families and communities to prevent child abuse and neglect, support children who’ve experienced trauma, and find safe, loving homes through foster care and open adoption. Everything they do starts and ends with what’s best for the child.

Impact highlights:

• Supports over 14,000 children and families every year.
• Runs foster care and open adoption programs to give at-risk children permanent, stable homes.
• Provides early intervention programs to help families before crises happen, reducing the risk of harm.
• Operates children’s family centers offering education, counseling, and tailored family support.

From counseling and education to finding forever families, Barnardos Australia is a name you’ll always find on any list of top nonprofit organizations in Australia that are truly making a lasting difference for kids.

10. Expression Australia

Focus Area(s): Disability Access
Primary Beneficiary: People with Disability 

Expression Australia has been a fierce advocate for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Australia since way back in 1884. That’s over 140 years of standing up for equal access, representation, and opportunity.

What makes their work so special? Whether it’s Auslan interpreting at major events, helping someone land their next job, or running Auslan classes to bring hearing and Deaf communities closer together, Expression Australia is creating a world where everyone belongs and can thrive.

They’re also champions of Deaf culture, celebrating it through everything from video productions to community gatherings. Language access is just one part of the picture. The real goal is ensuring everyone can thrive, whether through meaningful work, quality education, or the simple dignity of feeling included in their community.

Impact highlights:

• Over 60,000 hours of Auslan interpreting provided annually.
• 140+ years of serving the Deaf community across Australia.
• Comprehensive programs spanning from audiology and assistive technology to employment support and supported accommodation.
• Runs community activities that connect Deaf individuals and families for peer support and cultural pride.

With their deep history and bold, inclusive programs, Expression Australia is easily one of the most inspiring nonprofit organizations in Australia.

11. RMHC Australia (ACT& South East NSW)

Focus Area(s): Health and Well-being, Community Support
Primary Beneficiary: Critically ill Children and Families 

Ronald McDonald House Canberra does something simple, yet powerful: it helps families stay together when life gets hard. For families with critically ill children, having a safe, warm place to stay—right inside the hospital—is more than just convenient. It’s peace of mind.

Located within the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, RMHC Canberra gives families a home-away-from-home during some of the most stressful moments of their lives. It’s not just about accommodation—it’s about community. Families going through similar challenges find comfort in each other, sharing meals, stories, and strength.

Impact highlights:

• Supports hundreds of families every year with free accommodation, meals, and emotional support.
  
• Over 2,000 nights of accommodation provided annually to families with sick children.
  
• Reduces emotional and financial stress by keeping families close to their children’s bedside, during treatment and recovery.
  
• Provides communal spaces where families can connect and build supportive friendships during their hospital stay.

For families facing the unknown, Ronald McDonald House Canberra makes sure that one thing is certain: they won’t face it alone. That’s the kind of impact that changes lives, one family at a time.

12. Refugee Migrant Children Centre (RMCC)

Focus Area(s): Education
Primary Beneficiary: Refugee/Migrant Children

Refugee Migrant Children Centre (RMCC) is where support meets understanding. Starting a new life in a new country is never easy, especially for kids. Language barriers, culture shock, interrupted schooling, financial stress, and even trauma can make everyday learning feel like climbing a mountain.

That’s where RMCC steps in. They support school-aged children from refugee and migrant backgrounds with tailored, weekly after-school mentoring programs that help them settle in, grow in confidence, and feel like they belong.

But they don’t stop there. RMCC works with the full ecosystem around a child, including teachers, schools, families, and communities, to ensure these kids aren’t just surviving in Australia; they’re thriving.

Impact highlights:

• Supports over 1,600 students each year across Victoria.
  
• Offers mentoring, tutoring, life skills, and emotional support tailored to each child’s needs.
  
• Children in RMCC programs show up to a 70% improvement in self-esteem, confidence, and classroom engagement.
  
• Partners with 35+ schools to ensure culturally aware and trauma-informed learning environments.

Whether it’s helping with homework or just being a steady presence, RMCC gives refugee and migrant children a solid start in their Australian journey—and that can change the entire trajectory of their lives.

13. Good Return

Focus Area(s): Poverty Alleviation
Primary Beneficiary: Low-Income Communities

Good Return empowers individuals to take control of their financial futures. Through practical financial education, small business training, and access to fair, responsible lending, they help families build lasting income and break the cycle of poverty. They offer financial education, small business training, and access to responsible loans, enabling families to grow their incomes sustainably.

Impact highlights:

• Since 2003, they’ve supported 100,000+ people to set up micro-businesses or boost their savings.
  
• Nearly 75% of participants report stable incomes 12 months after training.

Whether you’re sending your first harvest to market or starting a savings account, Good Return equips you with what you need to thrive.

14. AASHA

Focus Area(s): Eldercare
Primary Beneficiary: The Elderly

AASHA facilitates the well-being of senior citizens and supports them to live independently, where possible, in their own homes and communities while fulfilling their cultural and social needs. Their objective is to assist and work with senior citizens to lead physically and mentally healthy and happy lives. They also inform government and non-government agencies about senior citizens' cultural, social, and health needs, assist families in identifying their senior relatives’ health needs, and assist the family in finding appropriate services for senior family members suffering from serious physical or mental illness, disability, and/or dementia.

Impact highlights:

• Supporting 2,000+ seniors each year across Melbourne and Sydney.
• Partnered with the local government to improve aged-care services for diverse communities.

AASHA shows that aging doesn’t have to mean isolation; it can mean community, respect, and dignity.

15. RSPCA Australia

Focus Area: Animal Welfare
Primary Beneficiary: Animals across Australia

RSPCA Australia has been the voice for animals since 1981, working at the national level to create a safer, kinder country for all creatures, big and small. While their state counterparts run shelters and inspectorates, RSPCA Australia fights the battles at the top: advocating for animal-friendly laws, campaigning against live exports and puppy farms, and holding industries accountable through science-backed welfare standards.

From pushing for cage-free farming to publishing research that influences government decisions, their work has real bite.

Impact highlights:

• Leads national campaigns against live animal exports and factory farming.
  
• Operates the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme, improving welfare for over 600 million farm animals since its launch.
  
• Provides expert policy advice to governments on wildlife protection, animal testing, and pet breeding laws.
  
• Publishes Australia’s most trusted animal welfare science and standards.
  
• Mobilizes public support through nationwide education campaigns and advocacy actions.

If you're looking for an NPO that's shaping Australia’s future for animals not just in shelters but across systems, RSPCA Australia is it.

16. Action on Poverty

Focus Area(s): Poverty Alleviation
Primary Beneficiary: Women, Community 

Action on Poverty (AOP) isn't your typical nonprofit. ChatGPT said:

They work behind the scenes to support grassroots changemakers—helping leaders from Vietnam’s mountain communities to rural Cambodia bring their ideas to life and create lasting impact on the ground. Based in Australia, AOP connects grassroots community groups with the tools, funding, and partners they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

Instead of a top-down charity model, AOP works collaboratively with local leaders, nonprofits, governments, and businesses to drive long-term, sustainable change. Their programs cover everything from livelihood training and clean water access to economic empowerment for women through social enterprises.

Impact Highlights:

• Supported projects in over 20 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
  
• Reached 2.5 million+ people globally with programs in education, health, economic development, and emergency relief.
  
• Enabled women-led social enterprises in Vietnam and Cambodia to flourish, helping women become income-earners and community leaders.
  
• Partners with major organizations, including DFAT, Australian Aid, and the UN, amplifying their global reach.
  
• Developed scalable, community-driven models like Community-Based Tourism (CBT), creating sustainable jobs in under-resourced regions.

Whether it's equipping rural entrepreneurs with microfinance access or giving women artisans an international market, AOP proves that lasting change starts by investing in local leadership—and then letting that impact ripple outward.

17. Foodbank WA

Focus Area(s): Hunger Action
Primary Beneficiary: Economically Backwards Communities

Foodbank WA goes beyond food relief. It’s a crucial source of hope and nourishment for thousands of West Australians in need. As the largest food relief nonprofit in Western Australia, they’ve built an incredible ecosystem to rescue surplus food and turn it into hope.

Each year, Foodbank WA provides over 7 million meals to individuals and families through a vast network of charities, schools, and community centers. They partner with everyone from local farmers to supermarket chains to keep good food out of landfills and get it onto the plates of people who need it most.

But they don’t just stop at food. Foodbank WA runs programs in schools, remote communities, and urban neighborhoods that teach people how to cook healthy meals on a budget, read food labels, and make informed choices, helping to tackle long-term food insecurity at its root.

Impact Highlights:

• Delivered 7 million+ meals annually across Western Australia.
  
• Works with over 480 registered charity partners to distribute food where it's needed most.
  
• Operates five regional centers to ensure food access in remote and rural communities.
  
• Runs nutrition education programs in 300+ schools, impacting thousands of students.
  
• Diverts thousands of tonnes of edible food from landfill each year through food rescue operations

If you’re looking for not-for-profit organizations in Australia that turn everyday food waste into a powerful force for good, Foodbank Western Australia is leading the charge, making sure no meal goes to waste and no community gets left behind.

18. Mahboba's Promise

Focus Area(s): Women Empowerment
Primary Beneficiary: Afghan Women and Children

Sometimes, the strongest change-makers are born from lived experience. Mahboba’s Promise is one such story, founded by Mahboba Rawi, an Afghan refugee turned Australian citizen who knew firsthand what war, loss, and displacement feel like. Instead of turning away, she built a lifeline.

For over two decades, Mahboba’s Promise has been rewriting futures for Afghan women and children, especially widows and orphans, by providing shelter, education, healthcare, and the tools to build self-sufficient lives.

Impact highlights:

• Supports over 4,000 women and children annually across Afghanistan through shelters, schools, and healthcare programs.
  
• Operates safe houses, schools, and vocational centers across multiple Afghan provinces.
  
• Focuses on education, self-sufficiency, health services, and women-led community development projects.
  
• Responded swiftly to crises post-2021, continuing operations where few other nonprofits could maintain presence.

From classrooms to kitchens to community centers, Mahboba’s Promise helps rebuild lives grounded in dignity, resilience, and hope.

19. Deaf Children Australia

Focus Area(s): Disability Access
Primary Beneficiary: People with Disabilities 

Deaf Children Australia (DCA) has been amplifying young voices, literally and figuratively, since 1860. Rooted in empathy and driven by equity, DCA stands as a national leader in empowering children and young people who are deaf or hard of hearing to break through barriers and claim their place in the world.

Through personalized programs, Auslan education, family support, mentoring, and advocacy, DCA helps young people thrive in school, work, relationships, and beyond.

Impact highlights:

• Supports thousands of families annually across Australia with early intervention, Auslan training, NDIS services, and emotional support.
  
• Provides mentorship and leadership programs to build confidence and community among deaf youth.
  
• Runs the Youth Mentoring Program, connecting deaf teens with role models to navigate school, self-esteem, and life transitions.
  
• Operates the historic Bluestone Building in Melbourne, a hub for deaf culture, community programs, and inclusive education.
  

Whether it's teaching Auslan to a toddler’s parents or helping a teen ace their first job interview, Deaf Children Australia ensures that no young person faces silence alone. They're building futures full of pride, possibility, and purpose.

20. Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Focus Area(s): Policy and Advocacy
Primary Beneficiary: Refugees

One of the largest not-for-profit organizations working on refugee rights, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) combines policy advocacy with human-centered support. At a time when seeking safety often comes with barriers, ASRC offers something powerful: dignity, support, and a voice.

Founded in 2001 in Melbourne, ASRC has grown into Australia’s largest independent human rights organization for refugees and asylum seekers. What started as a food bank in a small space now delivers over 40 programs spanning housing, healthcare, legal aid, education, employment, food security, and advocacy.

From policy reform and legal support to mental health services and job-readiness training, they walk beside individuals every step of the way, helping them rebuild their lives and shape their futures.

Impact highlights:

• Supports over 7,000 people seeking asylum annually across Australia.
  
• Operates 40+ holistic programs including legal aid, trauma-informed counseling, housing, English classes, and employment pathways.
  
• Delivered 400,000+ meals last year through its foodbank program.
  
• One of the most trusted voices in refugee rights advocacy driving policy change, organizing campaigns, and speaking truth to power.
  
• Fully independent and community-funded, ensuring it stays aligned with the needs of the people it serves.

In a landscape often shaped by politics, ASRC stands out as a beacon of humanity, working toward a future where compassion, fairness, and inclusion define the Australian response to people seeking refuge.‍

Wrapping It Up: Celebrating Change, One Organization at a Time

From bustling urban centers to remote rural communities, these 20 not-for-profit organizations in Australia are doing extraordinary work, quietly, consistently, and with heart. They’re feeding families, empowering Indigenous youth, protecting endangered species, and giving voices to those who’ve long been unheard.

And behind every one of these missions are passionate individuals, like you, who care enough to take action. Whether you’re an individual looking to give back or a company seeking meaningful ways to engage your team, your involvement can make a real difference.

At Goodera, we make it easy to partner with incredible nonprofits like these through hosted, purpose-driven volunteering experiences. From virtual sessions to on-ground volunteering opportunities across Australia, we help you find a cause that resonates and create real impact together.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s build a more compassionate, equitable future one act of service at a time.

FAQs About Nonprofit Organizations in Australia

1. What are the biggest nonprofit organizations in Australia?

Some of the largest and most impactful nonprofits include the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Foodbank WA, Barnardos Australia, OzHarvest, and RSPCA Australia. These organizations have a nationwide reach, tackling issues ranging from food security and animal welfare to refugee rights and child protection.

2. How can I volunteer with a nonprofit organization in Australia?

You can reach out directly to a nonprofit you're passionate about or use platforms like Goodera that match individuals and companies with curated volunteering opportunities based on location, cause, and skill set.

3. What are the top causes supported by nonprofits in Australia?

The most supported causes include environmental conservation, youth education, animal welfare, poverty alleviation, refugee and migrant support, mental health, and disability access. Many organizations also focus on Indigenous empowerment and women's rights.

4. Are donations to Australian nonprofits tax-deductible?

Yes, if the organization is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) with the Australian Taxation Office. Always check the nonprofit’s official status before making a donation to ensure tax benefits apply.

5. How do I know if a nonprofit organization is legitimate in Australia?

You can verify the legitimacy of a nonprofit by searching the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) register. Reputable organizations are transparent about their impact, financials, and governance.