Australia’s charity sector is one to be proud of.

We are thousands of organisations, collectively, helping make the world a better place. Doing good, as best we can. 

But we find ourselves in a bit of a pickle.

Because, for a long time now, when our donors wanted to know about impact, most of us have shown a pie chart that looks something like this:

In an effort to be transparent, we’ve continued to build on the narrative that money invested in programs is good but as little as possible should be spent on overhead costs. This has not been helped by a media happy to perpetuate this myth. 

our sector is the only sector which publicly competes to show who invests in their organisation the least. 


And it’s not just a few of us who believe this is an issue. 94% of fundraisers agree there is a problem with how Not-For-Profits represent and/or are funded for their overhead costs.

Research and public conversations are starting to explore the effects of this “non-profit starvation cycle” and what that means for our sector’s ability to operate effectively, evolve, retain talent, and achieve maximum impact.

In the research paper, you will find all the relevant research including fundraiser interviews, donor surveys, and literature review. It provides detailed insights and calls to action for you to use.

In the not-for-profit guide, you’ll find the key facts, shared language, and practical steps you need to start reframing overhead costs.

We hope it sparks lively debate and gives you the tools you need to take the first step.

Sign the pledge and join us today as we begin the journey to reframe overhead costs and build a more impactful Not-For-Profit sector. 


The Pay What It Takes Charity
Consortium Steering Committee

  • LISA ALLAN, CHAIR

    THE SMITH FAMILY

  • JANINE KWEING

    THE SALVATION ARMY

  • MARTIN PAUL

    MORE STRATEGIC

  • RICHENDA VERMEULEN

    NTEGRITY

Consortium Members

Arani Duggan
Clare Joyce
Colin Allen
Daniel Lalor

Fiona Jessiman
Joshua O'Rourke
Karl Uhrich

Olivia Shah
Paul Bailey
Lucie Lochrin

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The Pay What It Takes (PWIT) Charity Consortium Australia is a collection of individuals and organisations working collaboratively to address the critical challenges faced by Australian Not-For-Profits, focusing on the crucial but often underfunded area of overhead costs. We conduct research, raise awareness of the issue, and provide resources for those in the Not-For-Profit sector looking to tackle this systemic challenge and create change.

  • If you opt-in, your name will be added to indicate that you show support for this movement. 94% of fundraisers believe that how we approach overhead costs is an issue – the more we can join together and publicly say so, the better.

    In the future, you will be contacted with the latest research, campaigns and actions you can take to help reframe overhead costs.

  • The insights, data and recommendations suggested in this campaign are supported by extensive research including a literature review, analysis of charity communications, and surveys of fundraisers and donors. For a deeper dive into this research and for more information on the recommendations given, refer to the “Pay What It Takes Charity Campaign Report”.

  • We define overhead costs, or indirect costs, as costs incurred by an organisation that cannot be directly and easily attributed to a specific project. Indirect costs include administration, fundraising, IT, finance, human resources, learning and development, measurement and evaluation.

    It should be noted that the research indicated neither “overhead costs” nor “indirect cost” are terms often used by the wider public.

  • A 2024 survey of Australian donors found that 80% of donors don't consider overhead costs when making donation decisions, 42% had never researched overhead or administration costs, and 98% don’t know how much their chosen charity spends on overhead costs. Refer to the “Pay What It Takes Charity Campaign Report” to learn more.