Coordinated by ACOSS, this comprehensive research project found that Australians and businesses are giving and volunteering more than ever before, contributing more than $11 billion in 2004. An additional $2 billion was provided by 10.5 million Australians who lent their support by participating in raffles, lotteries and other fund-raising events. The number of hours donated by volunteers has risen 16 per cent since 2000, with 41 per cent of adult Australians volunteering 836 million hours.