Frequently asked questions

Caritas Australia is the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church in Australia, working in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific and in First Australian communities. We are part of the international Caritas Internationalis network, the second-largest humanitarian network in the world, which supports emergency aid and grassroots programs in over 200 countries and territories.

 

Caritas is a Latin word meaning love and compassion.

 

 

The international symbol of Caritas is a flaming cross, symbolising Christ’s burning love for his people.

 

 

We strive to keep our administration and fundraising costs as low as possible so that the maximum amount of funds can go to those in need. In 2019/2020 financial year, we had a fundraising ratio of 12.0% (as percentage of total income) and an administration ratio of 4.4% (as percentage of total income).

Our financial statements are externally audited (to the same standards which apply to Australian companies) and are available with our annual reports here.

 

 

No. We respond to the immediate and long-term development needs of communities, particularly the most vulnerable, regardless of ethnicity, political beliefs, gender or religion. We work in a wide range of contexts, both religious and non-religious, across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Pacific and the Middle East. 

As we work alongside communities in partnership, in some situations we may partner with local faith-based groups and encourage their participation in the development process.  

 

Project Compassion is our annual fundraising, awareness and education appeal, held during Lent, the six-week period before Easter. Learn more here. 

 

Caritas Australia began in 1964 as the Catholic Overseas Relief Committee (CORC). Learn more here. 

 

Yes, Caritas Australia is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. ACFID is the Australian Council for International Development and is the coordinating body for non-government overseas aid and international development organisations in Australia. Learn more about how we adhere to the Code of Conduct here. 

 

 

We are committed to accountability and we encourage our supporters, program participants, partners, and other internal and external stakeholders, whether in Australia or abroad, to share their feedback with us, including any complaints or concerns. 

Ask a question, give feedback or make a complaint here. We will respond to you as soon as possible. 

 

Yes. As an accredited agency, Caritas Australia receives government funding. In order to do this, we must undergo a rigorous accreditation process. Learn more about the accreditation process here. 

 

 

Learn more about current opportunities here. 

 

Yes. We appreciate and love having volunteers on board. Learn more here.  

 

 

In times of crisis we employ qualified people to assist local agencies with aid and rehabilitation. We are not a volunteer agency. For more information on volunteering overseas, head to Palms 

Australia. 

 

 

Yes. Our team of Social and Ecological Justice Animators are available to assist schools, education offices, universities, parishes and community groups. Our Animators speak to groups and run workshops and seminars about issues surrounding aid and development. We also produce a range of resources for parishes, teachers and students. Learn more here. 

 

In order to deliver efficient, transparent and effective programs to those in need we need to maintain robust financial and administrative systems. By investing a small proportion in fundraising, we can ensure long-term stability in our funding streams work with communities long-term. We keep these costs down as much as we can. When a small fraction of your donation goes to administration, it’s not taking away from the work that we do – it’s supporting it – by helping us build a better organisation and deliver better outcomes for the communities we work with.

 

Funds raised are used to support emergency response activities across affected countries in the region. If any funds remain after a crisis, they are kept in the Emergency Appeal Fund so that we can respond to ongoing needs and future crises in the region.

 

Yes. Donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible.

 

Yes. Bank transfer is a safe and efficient way to make a donation to our work. In your transfer please include:

  • Full Name and postcode (or Supporter ID if known)
  • Appeal Name

Our bank details are as follows:

  • Bank: Commonwealth
  • Acct Name: Caritas Australia
  • BSB: 062 438
  • Acct: 10072432

 We recommend you email your remittance to help@caritas.org.au with any additional details regarding your donation to ensure we can properly receipt your donation. If you have further questions you may contact our friendly Supporter Care team at 1800 024 413.