The largest ever research into philanthropic behaviour to understand how, why and how much Australians volunteer and give to charity is underway and researchers want to hear the views of Australians nationwide.
The Giving Australia 2015 project is a partnership between QUT, the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University of Technology and the Centre for Corporate Public Affairs.
The study is funded by the Department of Social Services and is an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership.
Researchers are looking for charitable people across the country, from regular and infrequent givers to virtual volunteers, to give insights into why they give money or time.
A recent study found fewer Australians are giving to charity, but those who do are giving more.
Dr Wendy Scaife, from QUT’s Australian Centre for Philanthropy Nonprofit Studies, said the in-depth project would collect information from individuals, charities, philanthropists and businesses.
“We hope people will tell us about the gaps, barriers and opportunities to make giving and volunteering easier and better,” she said.
“This input will provide critical information about giving and volunteering behaviours, attitudes and trends and improve our understanding of the needs of nonprofit organisations, who have to do so much with often so little.
“Our findings will inform new policy and ideas that will help people, organisations and communities across Australia.”
Dr Scaife said the Giving Australia 2015 project was looking for a range of givers and nonprofit workers to take part in focus groups across Australia throughout November and December.
Focus groups are being held in places such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Toowoomba, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Dubbo and Bunbury.
Participants will receive a $50 gift card.
For information on when and where the focus groups are, contact Tess McGlone at the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies on 07 3138 7699 or email acpns@qut.edu.au
Media contact:
Rob Kidd, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841, rj.kidd@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901 or Dr Wendy Scaife, 0412 559 674
