If you are an empath, chances are you have seen a story on social media or the news and felt an immediate pull to give. When something aligns deeply with your values, it can feel almost impossible not to offer whatever you can to help someone more in need. These instinctive moments of generosity reveal something fundamental about who we are. But for the moments that do not move us instantly, when we want to understand how, why and when to give, this guide is here to help.
With more than 60,000 charities registered in Australia, spanning almost every cause imaginable, it can be difficult to know where to start. Taking a thoughtful approach can help you narrow your focus and decide where your time, care and contribution can have the greatest impact.
How to give carefully
Giving to those in need, even when the decision is guided by personal feeling or lived experience, is an act of generosity that deserves respect. Because giving is so personal, it can be difficult to offer advice that feels universal. That said, there are a few practical steps that can help ensure your contribution is placed in safe hands and used as effectively as possible.
Step 1 Confirm the charity is registered in Australia
If you do nothing else, do this one thing.
Make sure the charity you are supporting is a registered Australian charity. You can do this by searching the charity name on the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission register.
A few important things to know when searching
- Some charities appear under a formal or legal name
- The registered name may include terms such as Limited or Incorporated
- Some charities operate under a shorter public name
For example, the organisation commonly known as Stroke Foundation appears on the register as National Stroke Foundation.
Once you locate the charity on the register
- Click through to the charity’s official website listed on the register
- Check that the website links back to the same donation page you intend to use
This simple step helps confirm that the organisation is legitimate, registered and operating transparently and with accountability within Australia.
Step 2 Understand what it is you are donating to
Many charities are familiar to us by name or logo, and we may recognise the broad area they work in. For example, we might know that the Alannah and Madeline Foundation support children, or that the Black Dog Institute focuses on mental health. What is less clear, however, is what these organisations do within those broader areas.
Taking the time to understand how a charity operates and how funds are used can help build a stronger connection based on shared values and understanding.
Before donating, it can be helpful to
- Read the charity’s mission or purpose statement
- Understand the specific programs or services your contribution supports
- Look for information on how funds are allocated or prioritised
This step is not about analysing every detail. It is about feeling confident that your support aligns with the impact you want to make and the causes you care most deeply about.
Step 3 Choosing between charities
If you are deciding between a few charities, for example if you want to support a children’s charity but are unsure which organisation to choose, it can be helpful to look beyond name recognition or emotional connection alone.
One useful resource is Change Path, an independent Australian charity assessment website. Change Path reviews charities based on transparency, financial management and how clearly they report on their impact.
While no assessment system is ever perfect, this type of independent review can offer valuable insight into how a charity operates. It can help you understand
- How openly the organisation reports on its work
- How responsibly funds are managed
- How clearly outcomes and impact are communicated
A higher rating does not automatically mean one charity is better than another. What it can do, however, is highlight meaningful differences in accountability and governance. When you are weighing up similar organisations, these factors can be a helpful way to make a confident decision.
Our pro tip
In some cases, it can also be helpful to look at the corporate partners a charity works with and consider whether those relationships align with your own values. Many charities rely on corporate support to fund vital programs, and these partnerships are often essential to their ability to operate at scale.
This step is not about passing judgement, but about understanding the broader ecosystem in which a charity operates. Looking at who supports an organisation, and who the organisation chooses to work with, can offer additional insight into its priorities, standards and long term vision.
For some donors, alignment across values, ethics and social responsibility can deepen confidence that their contribution is supporting not only a cause they care about, but also an organisation whose partnerships and practices feel consistent with their own principles.
Final thoughts
Thoughtful giving is not about finding the perfect charity or making the biggest contribution. It is about giving with clarity and care.
When you understand where your support is going, how it is used and why it matters, giving becomes more than a transaction. It becomes a meaningful expression of your values, a quiet but powerful way of contributing to the kind of world you want to be part of.