I recently returned to Australia after 13 years in the United States, where I worked in both grant-seeking and in philanthropic grant-making; from small and large medical research foundations that awarded grants, to a biotechnology company applying for medical research funding.
As I immerse back into the Australian grant and philanthropic landscape, I have noticed some key differences between the two countries.
In the U.S., philanthropy is highly visible and widely celebrated as part of the culture. Wealthy individuals often give openly and on such a large scale, their contributions have led to the creation of influential philanthropic institutions, including the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and The Gates, Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, to name just a few.
Philanthropy in Australia is growing rapidly but it remains smaller in scale and often more relationship-driven than transactional. With the growth in structures such as sub-funds, Donor Advised Funds and Private Ancillary Funds, giving tends to often be more low-key and private compared to the more usual high-profile approach seen in the U.S.
Scale and Structure
When comparing the relative size and scale between the two countries, we of course need to note the differences in history and population sizes. In 2023, Americans donated an impressive $557 billion dollars (~AUD $860 billion), representing 2.1% of the nation’s GDP, to more than 1.5 million registered charities. U.S. grant seekers are accustomed to large-scale, highly competitive grantmaking processes and rigorous reporting standards. Private foundations often match or supplement public investment, contributing to a dynamic and well-resourced funding landscape.
Australia’s landscape is comparatively modest. In 2023, total giving in Australia reached $18.9 billion dollars, accounting for less than 1% of GDP, and supporting more than 60,000 registered charities. Prominent foundations such as Perpetual, the Myer Foundation, and Minderoo are key contributors. However, a significant amount of funding continues to come from smaller family foundations, trusts, or corporate giving programs. There is increasing interest in impact investing and collective giving circles, reflecting a more personal and values-based approach to philanthropy.
What Funders Value in the US and Australia
American funders tend to approach giving through a statistical and data driven lens and expect a compelling case for investment. They prioritise measurable impact, solid data, and scalability. They value qualified teams and look for signs of sustainability, co-funding and collaboration as indicators of credibility and momentum. While metrics matter, strong relationships and alignment of purpose remain key to fostering lasting partnerships.
In Australia, there is also a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships and aligning on shared objectives. And certainly, there is a growing emphasis on outcomes and collaboration. Funders often want to know who they are partnering with as much as what they are funding and want to understand the human side of a project – why it matters, who it helps and how it makes a tangible difference. Compelling storytelling helps translate outcomes into meaning, building the trust and emotional connection that sit at the heart of Australian philanthropy. And as noted above, more Australian foundations are prioritising the impact measurement of their investments,
In both countries, and in fact the evidence would indicate, globally, funders want to see not just good intentions but lasting change. For those engaging with funders, that means balancing evidence with empathy and understanding the culture of giving that shapes each conversation.
Since 2009, Strategic Grants has supported more than 2,500 clients and for-purpose partners across Australia and New Zealand. If you’d like to learn more about the funding landscapes in Australia and New Zealand, grants best practices, or are seeking tailored support for your organisation, contact our team. We’re here to help you achieve your funding goals.
About the author
Allison Morris is a Grants Strategist at Strategic Grants, based in Victoria. She brings more than 15 years of experience across the public and for‑purpose sectors in Australia and the United States, spanning government, philanthropic foundations, and start‑ups. Allison has worked at every stage of the grant‑making process—on the funder side with the Victorian State Government and The Michael J. Fox Foundation, and on the grant‑seeking side within non-profits—giving her a well‑rounded perspective on what drives successful applications and partnerships.
At Strategic Grants, Allison works with for-purpose organisations to strengthen their grants readiness and embed grants best practices that combine robust impact evidence with meaningful funder engagement.
Allison holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Policy & Research) and has recently completed a Certificate in Sustainability and Social Impact.