The cost-of-living crisis driving Australians to the nation’s charities has also forced up to 80 per cent of people to cut the amount they donate to welfare organisations. Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
In an indication of how difficult many households’ finances have become under the weight of high inflation and interest rates, research compiled by The University of Queensland for the Giving What We Can organisation found people had reduced donations despite recognising the pressures facing the less well-off.
The most recent Suicide Prevention Australia community tracker shows half of the population is experiencing cost-of-living and personal debt distress beyond normal levels.
This week, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock noted the cost of essentials, groceries, petrol, health, education and rents was going up, putting financial pressure on many Australians.
Individuals donate about $6 billion a year, with another $7.1 billion coming from businesses, community organisations and governments.
As part of a broad survey of people about their attitudes towards charitable giving, The University of Queensland found 78 per cent of respondents had reduced their donations because of the cost-of-living crisis.
Sixty-one per cent said they still believed it was important for them to have a social impact through donations despite the pressures on their own finances.
The researchers said this suggested many Australians were willing to sacrifice some of their discretionary spending to support causes they cared about, even if they were struggling to make ends meet.
Giving What We Can executive director Luke Freeman said it was clear people were trimming their donations because they were under financial pressure.
“It shows the harsh reality of charitable giving – that even though charities are being used a great deal because of financial pressures across the country, they are finding it tougher to get support,” he said.
“The cost-of-living crisis is affecting people. They want to give, but it’s hard for them.”
FULL STORY
More Australians need help, but we’re giving less (By Shane Wright, Sydney Morning Herald)
