Foundations in Australia: Dimensions for International Comparison

Australia lacks a dedicated legal structure for foundations, and public data on its philanthropic sector are sparse. There is no public registry of foundations as opposed to charities generally, and the information held by the revenue office on foundation activity is generally unavailable. Available data are presented and show that Australian foundations are experiencing a phase of slow but steady growth in both numbers and size, punctuated by an increasing number of high-profile philanthropic donations by individuals, which are bringing public attention to the sector. This has been partially enabled by new tax arrangements that permit modified U.S.-style family foundations. Community foundations and collective giving are steadily growing as well. The major fields of foundation activity as well as their growing roles in Australian society are described. Finally, a research agenda is proposed that encompasses not only improved data collection but an exploration of emerging trends such as foundation staff professionalization, response to government marketization of welfare provision, and the increasing voice of foundations concerned with the environment.