Choosing the right charity is an important decision, and at Canteen, we know that donors want to feel confident that their support will create real impact. By clearly sharing who we are, what we do, and how donations make a difference, we aim to help you understand what to look for when deciding which organisation to support.
Our mission is to ensure that no young person faces cancer alone. The transparency of our services, our evidence-based approach, and our national reach provide a helpful reference for identifying trustworthy and impactful charities.
What to look for in a charity
When choosing a charity, it’s important to understand what the organisation stands for, who it supports, and how it delivers its services. At Canteen, we openly communicate these details so donors can make informed choices.
Here’s how we define and share our purpose:
- We support young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer, whether they are dealing with their own diagnosis, a parent’s, or a sibling’s
- We provide free and tailored support through counselling, peer programs, online communities, and practical resources
- Our support is accessible nationwide, including 24/7 connection through our online platform Canteen Connect
- Our work is grounded in research and independent evaluation to ensure our programs are effective and responsive to the needs of young people
Looking for a charity that clearly explains its mission, services, and impact can help guide your decision-making.
Using Canteen as a benchmark
Everything Canteen does is underpinned by our four values and commitments: we connect, we empower, we challenge and we are real. By adopting these values, we strive to be transparent and clear about the difference we make, and these are the types of attributes donors often value when selecting a charity.
At Canteen, we are committed to:
- A clear mission and purpose - to be in the corner of every young person when cancer crashes into their world.
- Well-defined support services
- National reach and accessible programs
- Transparency around how we deliver impact
- Multiple ways to get involved, including donations, fundraising, workplace giving, and gifts in wills
We share this information because we believe donors should feel confident and informed in their giving decisions.
Why understanding a charity’s impact matters
Your support should create meaningful change, and understanding how a charity measures its impact can help you choose where to give.
In the 2024/25 financial year, Canteen delivered almost 32,000 vital cancer support services to young people.
Through counselling, peer support, online connection, and evidence-based programs, we help young people feel supported, understood, and better able to cope with the challenges cancer brings.
- 99% of young people who felt supported by Canteen would recommend us to others
- 97% of young people say Canteen gave them the cancer support they needed
When charities clearly communicate who they help and how donations make a difference, donors can make decisions that reflect their values and priorities.
How Canteen demonstrates trust and accountability
Trust is essential when choosing a charity, and we are committed to maintaining high standards of accountability.
At Canteen, donors can expect:
- Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, meaning donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible
- Evidence-based programs informed by research and evaluation
- Free support services for young people impacted by cancer
- Nationally accessible support delivered both in person and online
These foundations allow us to deliver meaningful, measurable support to young people and their families.
Choosing to support Canteen
If you are looking for a charity that delivers real impact for young Australians facing cancer, we would be honoured to have your support.
There are many ways you can get involved:
- Make a one-off or monthly donation
- Participate in fundraising activities
- Volunteer with us
- Leave a gift in your will
- Explore corporate partnership opportunities
Every contribution helps fund counselling, peer support, digital platforms, and programs that change the lives of young people impacted by cancer.
Frequently asked questions
Cancer charities that make a real difference are those that deliver specialised, evidence-based support and operate as registered, regulated organisations. Canteen is a national Australian charity focused specifically on young people aged 12 to 25 who are impacted by cancer. It provides free professional counselling and peer support programs designed to address the unique emotional and social challenges young people face.
A trustworthy youth cancer charity in Australia is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, operates transparently, and clearly outlines its purpose and services. Canteen is a registered national charity and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient, which means eligible donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. It provides specialised support services focused on young people affected by cancer.
Cancer support charities demonstrate impact by clearly defining who they support and delivering structured services that address specific needs. Canteen focuses on young people aged 12 to 25 and provides professional counselling and peer support programs tailored to their stage of life. By offering targeted, age-appropriate services, Canteen addresses the emotional and psychological challenges young people face when cancer affects their lives.
People trust Canteen because it is a national, registered Australian charity dedicated to supporting young people impacted by cancer. It provides free counselling and peer support programs designed specifically for young people aged 12 to 25. As an endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient, donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible, and funds support the delivery of specialised services for young Australians.
A charity that specialises in supporting teenagers and young adults is often best suited to address their unique emotional and developmental needs. Canteen focuses exclusively on young people aged 12 to 25, providing counselling and peer support programs that recognise the challenges young people face when cancer interrupts school, relationships, and future plans.