Tasmanians are giving more per donation than anyone else in the country, with Australian Red Cross research revealing the state recorded the highest average donation of $531.
The Northern Territory came in second at $488, while Victoria, which accounted for the largest share of total donations at 35%, averaged $424.
Together, Victoria and New South Wales made up almost two-thirds of all donations to the organisation, but the data shows smaller states and territories are punching above their weight when it comes to individual generosity.
The findings come as charities across Australia report rising demand for support services, with cost-of-living pressures increasing the number of families seeking help.
The Smith Family is urging continued donations to support students in Tasmania as demand for education programs grows, warning thousands of children still needed assistance.
The charity’s Winter Appeal, Poverty: Hidden in plain sight, aims to raise $8.2 million nationwide to deliver programs to 19,500 students, but a shortfall means 8,670 students still need help with their education for terms three and four.
Its flagship Learning for Life program supports nearly 72,000 students nationally, including almost 4,660 in Tasmania.
Across the state, the organisation has partnered with 50 schools and reached 9,180 children and young people.
Chief executive Doug Taylor said donations remained critical to ensuring students did not fall behind.
“Many Australians are looking for ways to make a positive difference in their communities,” he said.
“Families are making impossible choices and many students are missing out on opportunities to help them succeed at school and beyond.”
The appeal comes as organisations working in food relief, emergency response and community support report continued growth in demand.
Loaves and Fishes Tasmania says more families are struggling to afford essentials, while the Australian Red Cross has also reported increased demand for services.
At the same time, financial pressure is increasingly affecting people’s ability to give, with the proportion of Australians unable to donate due to financial constraints nearly doubling in the past six months.
Despite this, more Australians increased their donations over the past 12 months (24%) than decreased them (13%), with 18% saying they donate in response to disasters.
Australia is ranked the eighth most generous country in the World Giving Index, with 56% of Australians donating to charity in 2025.
Taylor said ongoing generosity was vital as demand continued to rise.
“If you have the financial means, please donate,” he said.
“It’s good for the hip pocket and the heart.”
While Australia remains among the world’s more generous nations, charities say sustained giving is needed to keep pace with growing demand for services supporting children and families under financial pressure.
