Cash donations
The most common and flexible form of giving, cash donations provide support for urgent refugee needs. You can give a one-off gift or make larger, strategic contributions aligned with specific campaigns or focus areas.
© UNHCR/Ala Kheir
How to Donate to Australia for UNHCR as a Philanthropist
Giving with Purpose
At Australia for UNHCR, philanthropic gifts fund critical support for refugees worldwide, from emergency shelter to education and healthcare.
Major gifts respond to immediate needs and enable us to invest in sustainable solutions that protect, support and empower refugees worldwide. When you make a major gift, you’re not just donating — you’re partnering with us to create a better future.
Decide how to Donate
Philanthropy starts with purpose. To donate effectively, consider these key steps:
- Align with your values: Work with an Australia for UNHCR philanthropic adviser to identify causes that matter most to you.
- Set your goals: Decide how much to give, how often, and what outcomes you hope to achieve.
- Choose a giving structure: Contributions can be one-time gifts, ongoing donations or part of a legacy plan. You might also donate through a Private Ancillary Fund (PAF) or foundation to enable long-term planning.
- Give anonymously if preferred: Australia for UNHCR respects donor privacy and offers options for discreet giving.
Working with an Australia for UNHCR philanthropic adviser can help you structure your donations in a way that aligns with your philanthropic goals.
What programs can I support with my donation?
Philanthropic donors have the flexibility to choose how their gift is used. We offer a range of giving options to match personal interests and goals:
- Unrestricted donations that allow us to respond flexibly, wherever the need is greatest
- Cause specific support for areas like education, emergency response, healthcare, or women and girls
- Region specific support
- Matched giving initiatives that double the impact of your gift through funding partnerships
Donate Online, via Direct Deposit or Phone
Through our encrypted online donation platform, you can make a one-time or recurring donation and receive automatic tax receipts for your records. Our digital platform is designed to make giving simple, so you can focus on what matters — helping those in need. You can make an immediate donation to a cause of your choice.
You can also donate via phone, direct bank transfer (with account details provided securely), or establish a philanthropic agreement tailored in consultation with our team.
Contact our Philanthropy team today to begin your giving journey.
Types of donation
Philanthropy is personal — and the way you choose to give can reflect your values, goals and financial circumstances.
No matter how you choose to give, our Philanthropy team can help tailor your donation to align with your goals, values, and the change you want to see in the world.
© UNHCR/Eugene Sibomana
At Australia for UNHCR, we offer a range of donation options to help you create meaningful impact
More information
Bequests and legacy gifts
A gift in your Will is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy. Legacy gifts can fund long-term programs, emergency response, or even be directed toward areas of greatest need — ensuring your impact lives on for generations.
Matched Giving
Many philanthropists double their impact through matched giving. It’s a simple way to amplify your impact and encourage others to contribute.
Sustained giving
Setting up a recurring donation — monthly, quarterly or annually — provides consistent support that allows us to plan ahead and respond more effectively to new and ongoing humanitarian crises.
The Impact of Philanthropic Giving on Refugee Lives
Philanthropic support doesn’t just fund programs — it transforms futures. Every major gift helps provide protection, opportunity and hope to those who’ve lost everything.
Your generosity could help deliver:
- Shelter and safety: for families fleeing war and persecution — offering stability after unimaginable trauma
- Access to education: for displaced children — ensuring a sense of normalcy, growth, and the chance to build a better future
- Livelihoods and dignity: for those starting over — through skills training, small business support and community-based development programs
Behind every donation is a real person whose life has changed because someone cared. From mothers reunited with their children, to students returning to school after years away, these stories show the powerful ripple effect of philanthropy.
Ready to make an impact?
Ready to create lasting change through philanthropy? Our dedicated philanthropy team is here to support you — whether you’re making your first major gift or expanding your existing contributions.
Contact our Philanthropy team today to discuss how you can support refugees and displaced communities across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donating to Australia for UNHCR as a Philanthropist
Can I choose which UNHCR project my donation supports?
Yes. Many of our philanthropic donors choose to direct their gift to specific countries, programs (such as health, education, or supporting women and girls), or time-sensitive emergency campaigns. Our philanthropy specialists can work with you to align your giving with the causes that matter most to you.
Is online giving secure?
Absolutely. Australia for UNHCR uses encrypted, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard-compliant payment systems to protect your personal and financial information. Whether you're making a one-time gift or setting up regular donations, you can give online with confidence.
Can I claim my donation as a tax deduction?
All donations over $2 to Australia for UNHCR are tax-deductible within Australia.
How do I become a philanthropist with Australia for UNHCR?
Contact our Philanthropy team today to discuss how your donation can support refugees and displaced communities across the globe.