Tax benefits no longer front of mind for donors: Equity Trustees

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

12 June 2025

New research from Equity Trustees has found the tax deductibility of donations is no longer the driving force behind Australians’ giving to charity, after being taken over by the ‘desire to make a difference’.

Of the 96 per cent of Australians who donated to charity in the last 12 months, only 20 per cent cited tax deduction benefits as the main motivation. Similarly, 52 per cent had given to charity at the same time as coping with their own financial challenges.

“Tax deductions are an attractive benefit of donating to charity, but our research found that the main motivators for Australians to give to charity are around personal alignment to a cause, a desire to make a difference, and trust in the charity,” National Manager of Active Philanthropy, Denise Cheng, said.

“Equity Trustees is helping everyday Australians to participate in structured giving by offering a new way to set up their own sub account in the Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation (ECF), a public ancillary fund.

“The ECF is powered by the Equity Trustees Philanthropy Portal, enabling people to become a philanthropist with just $5,000. What’s more, they can even give their account a name that resonates with them – perhaps after someone they care about, or something aspirational to them.

“Structured giving is a strategic way to give that goes beyond one-off donations. It’s about the creation of a tax-effective giving structure, that leverages the power of investments to create greater impact over a longer period. It’s a way people can start now – and see their contribution continue to make a difference over time.

“The goal of the portal is to make philanthropy accessible, affordable, self-directed and tech-enabled so more Australians can give sustainably to change tomorrow.”

The research also suggested younger Australians and those on lower incomes were more or just as likely to donate; 15 per cent of those surveyed said they would give $1,000 or more in the next 12 months, and five per cent said they would donate $5,000 or more. People who earn between $60,000 and $100,000 a year were just as likely to donate more than $5,000 in the next 12 months as people who earn $150,000 or above.

“We know that Australians are keen to make a difference in the world through charitable giving, regardless of how much wealth they have at their disposal. That’s why we think now is the time to redefine giving – we want to provide a smarter way to make lasting change that’s more accessible to more people,” General Manager, Philanthropy and Community Trustee Services, Jodi Kennedy, said.

“Like many in the for-purpose sector, Equity Trustees is committed to doubling structured giving in Australia by 2030, and these findings show we’re taking promising steps towards achieving that goal.”