According to Roy Morgan research, 58 per cent of Australians aged 14+ (about 13.2 million people) donated to charity in the year to June 2025.

Research shows that Christmas is the top time for charitable donations,

From a national survey, the average donation by NSW residents was $648 in the period May 2022 to December 2023.

We’re a generous lot!

But how can we guarantee the money we donate goes to good use?

That’s where The Life You Can Save comes in.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to help but weren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone.

Every act of giving begins with a spark of compassion to do something for people living with far less.

The next challenge is working out where your money will do the most good.

The Life You Can Save describe themselves as “a community of people who believe in taking action whose role is to help you make the most effective donations possible in the fight against extreme poverty.”

The group was founded in 2013 by Peter Singer and former executive Charlie Bresler.

They have compiled a list of research-backed charities working on interventions against the multidimensional factors of poverty, resulting in over $100 million being donated.

The Fred Hollows Foundation has restored sight to more than 2.5 million people and has links to the Western Plains, with Mr Hollows being buried in Bourke. This charity is one where donations are used effectively, according to The Life You Can Save.

According to Life You Can Save, the “evidence-driven approach means donors don’t have to guess where their contribution will have the greatest effect.”

For many people, especially during the holiday season, the biggest barrier isn’t a lack of generosity - it’s uncertainty.

With so many charities asking for support, how do you know your donation is reaching people in need and not being lost in overheads or ineffective programs?

 “With 30 per cent of annual charitable giving occurring in December alone, we want to give donors confidence and clarity to give with purpose,” said Andrea La Mesa, Co-CEO of The Life You Can Save.

“Our goal is to remove the guesswork from giving and make it easier for anyone to support organisations that truly make a difference.

"This guide offers research-backed insights to help donors ensure their contributions create the greatest possible impact.

"The Life You Can Save’s team does the hard work, so donors don’t have to.

"They analyse the data to identify the best-proven interventions across the many causes of poverty – from preventable disease and poor nutrition to access to education and financial security."

Once those interventions are identified, the organisation looks for the charities delivering them most effectively and efficiently.

Impact per dollar, transparency and proven results are central to the recommendations, ensuring donors are supporting organisations that not only do good work, but do the most good possible.

The result is a carefully curated list of high-impact charities and funds that anyone can use as a roadmap for their giving.

Whether someone can give a little or a lot, they can feel confident their contribution is helping the people who need it most, in the best-known ways available.

And the work doesn’t end once a charity makes the list.

Ongoing evaluation ensures the recommendations stay current as new evidence and opportunities emerge, giving donors access to best-in-class advice year after year.

So, if you’re feeling that familiar tug to help this Giving Season but you’re unsure where to begin, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Your compassion is the starting point.

The Life You Can Save is here to help turn it into the greatest possible impact for people living in extreme poverty – one thoughtful donation at a time.

To find out more, visit the Life you Save website, where you can also download an audio book.