This report examines the role of charities operated solely by volunteers, which comprise 43% of Australia’s sector with another 9% functioning without staff. While mostly small, they generated $4.3 billion and deliver services nationwide. The report finds volunteer numbers are increasing after years of decline though challenges remain, including limited government funding and regulatory pressures. 

Key findings

• 22,000 charities (43%) of Australian charities are solely volunteer-run.
• These volunteer-run charities have an average of 26 volunteers and were more likely to engage in arts or animal welfare activities.
• Volunteer-run charities generated $4.3 billion in revenue.
• Volunteer participation has rebounded after years of decline, rising to 3.77 million – an increase of almost 270,000 from the previous year.
• They were more reliant on donations and bequests compared to non-volunteer-run charities.