What makes a charity non-religious
Looking to make a real difference without religious affiliation attached? For many Australians, choosing a charity isn’t just about generosity, it’s about values. Transparency, inclusivity, and effectiveness matter. That’s why more people are choosing non-religious charities that deliver help based on need, not belief.
Save the Children is one of Australia’s leading non-religious charities, committed to protecting and empowering children, no matter who they are or where they live. We’ve been working for over 100 years to make sure every child has the chance to live, learn and be safe from harm.
Non-religious (or secular) charities operate without ties to religious institutions or belief systems. They provide inclusive support to all people, regardless of their background or faith, and are guided by universal humanitarian values.
In Australia, charities must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). Save the Children is not only registered, but also endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). This means any donation over $2 is tax-deductible.
These designations demonstrate a charity’s transparency, accountability, and compliance with national standards, key for supporters seeking a secular organisation they can trust.
Why many Australians prefer secular giving
Secular giving is growing in popularity as more Australians seek to align their donations with their personal values. Non-religious charities offer reassurance that aid is delivered without religious messaging or motives.
Supporting a non-religious charity means:
- Your donation goes towards helping people based solely on need
- No faith-based criteria are used to determine who receives help
- Your values around inclusivity and impartiality are respected
We treat every child with respect, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender, because we believe every child has the right to be safe, healthy and educated.
What sets Save the Children apart from other charities
Save the Children is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, founded more than a century ago. We are proudly non-religious, non-political, and solely focused on improving children’s lives. We work in over 100 countries and partner with local communities to deliver programs that create lasting change.
Furthermore, we’re also deeply committed to transparency and effectiveness: as more than 80% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs (Save the Children Accountability). Our approach is grounded in ethical, rights-based practice. We tell stories with care and consent, support children to share their own experiences, and always prioritise their dignity and wellbeing.
How Save the Children helps children thrive
Save the Children works across four core areas to support children at every stage of life:
- Health: We ensure communities have access to clean water, life-saving vaccines, nutrition, maternal health care, and mental health support to children and families in need.
- Education: From early learning to temporary classrooms in crisis zones, we ensure children don’t miss out on their right to learn.
- Protection: We offer safe spaces, reunite families, and protect children from abuse, violence and exploitation.
- Emergencies: When disaster strikes, our teams respond within 72 hours, delivering essentials like food, shelter, healthcare, and emotional support. And we stay for as long as needed to help communities recover and rebuild so that children’s lives can return to normal.
Make your impact with a donation that truly counts
Your support helps us reach the children who need it most, quickly, effectively and without bias.
To support our programs, you can:
Whether you're supporting health care, education, child protection or disaster response, your contribution creates tangible, lasting change.
Donate today to make a difference
Choosing to support a non-religious charity isn’t just a personal preference, it’s a powerful way to ensure your values are reflected in the impact you make. Save the Children operates without religious affiliation, focusing entirely on helping children live safer, healthier lives.
You’ve learned what makes a non-religious charity, why secular giving is important, and what sets Save the Children apart. Donate to our programs that deliver lifesaving health care and emergency relief to children everywhere.