AFR Philanthropy 50 List 2025
This 9th Philanthropy 50 list shows a record high total of $1.37b donated, up 10% from previous year’s $1.25b.
The growth of philanthropic giving since the first Philanthropy 50 list in 2016 has been significant. Notably:
- The top three donors on this year's list have surpassed the combined total of the initial 50 in each of the first three years.
- The leading donor of 2016 would now rank sixth on the current list, showcasing the significant elevation in donation amounts.
- Furthermore, the number of donors contributing over $10 million has increased from 13 in the inaugural year to 25 today.
- This impressive growth is complemented by the emergence of four donors who have each surpassed the $100 million mark.
Other key highlights include:
- The continuation of new technology-related donors joining the list, indicating a promising trend for future contributions.
- The female voice is gaining prominence, with 6 female and 3 male-controlled donors, plus 31 joint/family and 10 external/no family contributors
- With the approaching intergenerational changes, we anticipate more additions to existing foundations and direct gifts.
Sources include the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission, Fundraising Research & Consulting and Fundraising & Philanthropy Australasia. Please view full report for additional details on how the list is compiled.
2025 Top 5 List
| Name | Cause area | Grants ($M) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yajilarra Trust | Australia's First Nations people, climate change, disability, Christian faith | $213.9 |
| 2 | Minderoo Foundation | Children through thriving communities, gender equality, healthy ecosystems, existential threats and urgent challenges | $210.1 |
| 3 | Paul Ramsay Foundation | Children and young people, First Nations, barriers to employment, under-resourced communities and disadvantage | $182.8 |
| 4 | Estate of Marc Besen & Besen Family Foundation | Eva and Marc Besen Centre at TarraWarra incl. artworks, Jewish community, early childhood education, environment | $143.7 |
| 5 | Stan Perron Charitable Trust | Community, wellbeing and medical research particularly for children in Western Australia | $45.4 |
$13B in charitable assets
JBWere’s Philanthropic Services team manages $13B in charitable assets across Australia and New Zealand.
"Philanthropy is different to other funding. It is the risk capital of the sector and allows charities to search for new solutions.”
– John McLeod, Philanthropy Senior Research Consultant, JBWere
Philanthropy lists
AFR 2024 Corporate Philanthropy 50 List
AFR 2023 Corporate Philanthropy 50 List
AFR 2023 Philanthropy 50 List
AFR 2022 Corporate Philanthropy 50 List
AFR 2022 Philanthropy 50 List
AFR 2021 Corporate Philanthropy 50 List
AFR 2021 Philanthropy 50 List
AFR 2019 Philanthropy 50 List
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