Best charities to donate to

Australians often search for the best charities to donate to in Australia, and for good reason. With so many causes and organisations out there, it’s important to know your donation is going to a credible, transparent, and impactful charity. This page will showcase why Canteen, the only organisation in Australia dedicated to providing tailored support for all young people impacted by cancer, is one of the best charities to support.

What makes a good charity?

With so many Australian charities to donate to, it's important to know what sets a good charity apart. The best charities share a few key qualities that help ensure your support makes a meaningful difference:

  • Transparency - be open about how it operates, where donations go, and the impact it's having on the community
  • Impact - focus on outcomes and results
  • Accountability - guided by strong leadership and are answerable to both their mission and their supporters
  • Diversity and Inclusion - welcome people of all genders, cultures, sexualities, and abilities. 
  • Accredited and Registered - meet all legal requirements and holds relevant registrations and accreditation with relevant regulatory bodies (like Digital Mental Health Standards). This can signal a commitment to best practices and public accountability.

Why Canteen stands out as one of the best charities to donate to in Australia

Canteen is the only Australian organisation supporting all young people impacted by cancer, whether it's their own diagnosis, close family member's cancer or the death of a loved one.. As a leader in the youth cancer space, we provide specific and tailored support that helps people overcome the specific challenge of cancer. 

There are so many reasons why Canteen is a leading charity:

  • Last financial year, we delivered almost 32,000 free and vital cancer support servicesAdditionally, 98% of young people and 100% of parents would recommend our services
  • Our impact of our Youth Cancer Services shows that we helped over 75% of newly diagnosed young cancer patients, highlighting a strong reach in the community
  • Young people are at the core of what we do, and we strive to give the people who have used our services a voice. That's why we have young people sit on our Board and play an active role in the strategic decisions that shape the future of Canteen. Furthermore, we invest in Youth Leadership, and give young people who have been impacted by cancer the opportunity to develop skills and connections which will benefit their long term future
  • 85% of Canteen's funding comes from the community, and a lot of this is spent on services on support services for young people, whether that be counselling, clinical trials or programs
  • Canteen meets relevant regulatory accreditations, such as ACNC (Australian Charity and Not-for-profits Commission), and is also endorsed as a deductible gift recipient (DGR), meaning all donations are tax-deductible
  • We are guided by our values and our commitment to ensure that everyone at Canteen feels respected, included and safe

Canteen's Impact

32,000

free and tailored cancer support services delivered last financial year 

99%

of young people recommend Canteen's services to people impacted by cancer

9/10

young people feel less isolated using Canteen's services

84%

felt Canteen support improved their wellbeing  

Real Stories, Real Impact

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Young people are at the heart of the work Canteen does in providing cancer support services for 12-25 year olds, whether that be people who have been impacted by their own diagnosis, or someone close to them. Every donation helps provide vital support to those who need it most. Watch what Saskia, a young person who had cancer, had to say about her experience with Canteen.

 

“Canteen was more than just a support system for me  –  it was the reason I found my confidence, my voice, and my future." - Saskia

 

MEET MORE AMAZING YOUNG PEOPLE 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who does Canteen support?
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Canteen is an Australian charity that helps young people aged 12–25 who are dealing with cancer - whether it's their own diagnosis or that of a close family member. Canteen provides free counselling, peer support programs, and offers tailored resources to help young people cope and rebuild their lives.

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How does my donation make a difference?
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Every dollar you give helps fund life-changing services like:

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Is Canteen a registered and trustworthy charity?
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Yes! Canteen is a registered Australian charity with full transparency around its finances and impact. It consistently meets high standards of governance and accountability, and is endorsed by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Click here to learn more.

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Are donations to Canteen tax-deductible?
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Yes, Canteen is endorsed as a deductible gift recipient (DGR), so donations over $2 made by Australian taxpayers are tax-deductible. Upon making an online donation, you’ll receive a receipt. Click here to learn more about tax-deductible donations.

Need Help?
If you require assistance, please contact our Supporter Care Team via phone on 1800 639 614, or send an email via the button below.

Disclaimer: This content is general in nature and should not be taken as financial advice. Please consult a registered tax advisor or accountant for personalised guidance.