Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is one of the most important areas of giving in Australia. This guide helps you find charities that are genuinely led by and for First Nations people.
About this cause
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the world's oldest continuous cultures — with over 60,000 years of history on this continent. Yet today, First Nations Australians face significant and persistent disadvantage across health, education, housing, employment and justice.
The most effective charities in this space are those led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves — organisations that understand community needs, respect cultural values, and build local capacity rather than imposing external solutions. When choosing a First Nations charity, ask whether it is community-controlled and whether First Nations people hold leadership positions.
What to look for
Community control: The most effective organisations are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled — led by and accountable to the communities they serve.
Self-determination: Look for charities that build community capacity and support self-determination, rather than creating dependency.
Cultural safety: Effective programs embed cultural values, language and practice — not just add them as an afterthought.
Local vs national: Many of the most impactful organisations work at a local or regional level — don't overlook smaller community organisations.
Avoid "white saviour" organisations: Charities run primarily by non-Indigenous people for Indigenous communities have a mixed record — prioritise community-controlled organisations.
Find your best match
Answer two quick questions to narrow down the right charity for you.
Q1. Which area of First Nations support matters most to you?
Q2. Where do you want your donation to have impact?
NAISDA is Australia's leading Indigenous performing arts training organisation — nurturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through professional dance training that integrates cultural practice. A unique organisation that strengthens cultural identity and creates pathways to careers in the arts.
AHCWA is the peak body for Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations in Western Australia — supporting culturally safe health services delivered by and for Aboriginal people. A model of community control and self-determination in health service delivery.
🏢 Medium📍 Western Australia🏛️ Government + donations
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation works with remote communities to improve literacy and support First Nations languages — producing books in local languages and running community literacy programs. An important organisation for preserving language and culture while improving educational outcomes in remote communities.
ATSILS provides free legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland — covering criminal law, family law, civil matters and community legal education. Given the significant overrepresentation of First Nations people in the justice system, legal services are a critical area of support.
Reconciliation Australia drives the national reconciliation movement — supporting organisations to build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you want to support systemic change and cultural awareness across Australian society, Reconciliation Australia is a strong choice.