Choosing a charity often starts with a cause that matters to you. From there, deciding which organisation to support can take a little more thought.

The term children’s charity covers a broad range of organisations supporting children and young people. Martin Youth Foundation has a more specific focus, funding youth-specific alcohol and drug treatment and recovery programs for young Australians.

The Essentials of a Trustworthy Children’s Charity

A children’s charity in Australia is worth supporting when you clearly understand what it does, who it helps and the difference its work is making. Look for evidence of impact, clear information about how programs are delivered and transparency around how the organisation operates and uses its resources.

A useful starting point is to check whether the charity has:

• a clear mission and purpose
• a defined group of people it exists to support
• programs that connect directly to that mission
• evidence of meaningful outcomes
• transparent governance and financial information
• relevant expertise
• a realistic approach to long-term change.

Why Does a Charity’s Mission Matter?

A clear mission helps you see whether a charity’s work matches what it says it is there to do. Its programs, partnerships and funding decisions should all have a clear connection to that purpose.

How Can You Tell If a Charity Makes a Difference?

Activity alone does not show whether a charity is achieving meaningful change. The number of programs delivered or people reached can be useful, but outcomes give a clearer picture of what those programs are helping achieve.

Depending on the organisation, this might include changes in wellbeing, education, employment, housing, recovery or other areas connected to its purpose. Longer-term outcomes, independent evaluation and program data can all help show whether the work is having the intended impact.

Not every charity will measure success in the same way, so the important thing is whether the measures used are relevant to its mission and supported by credible evidence.

Does Transparency Matter When Choosing a Charity?

Yes. Supporters should be able to find clear information about how a charity is run, including its leadership, governance, financial reporting and fundraising activities.

Transparency also means communicating openly about the realities of the work. Charities dealing with complex social issues should be careful not to overstate results or suggest that one program or donation can solve every challenge. Clear, balanced reporting helps supporters make a more informed decision about whether an organisation aligns with their values.

In Australia, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Charity Register can also be useful when researching an organisation. It allows you to check whether a charity is registered and view publicly available information about its activities and reporting. This can sit alongside the information a charity provides on its own website.

Where Does Your Donation Go?

Donations can support many parts of a charity’s work, including program delivery, specialist staff, resources, technology, fundraising, evaluation, administration, governance and compliance.

Low administration costs are not automatically a sign of greater impact. Charities still need good financial management, skilled staff, secure systems and oversight to operate responsibly. A better question is whether the organisation explains how it uses its resources and can show how those resources support its mission.

What Should You Look for in a Charity’s Programs?

If a charity funds or delivers programs, look a little closer at how those programs are designed and who is responsible for them.

• Clear objectives: You should be able to understand who the program is for and what it is trying to achieve.
• Relevant expertise: Complex needs should be supported by people and organisations with appropriate experience.
• Evidence-informed approaches: Programs should be shaped by evidence and established practice where appropriate.
• Individualised support: Effective programs should be able to respond to different needs, circumstances and goals.
• Continuity: Where ongoing care matters, look at what happens after the initial program or intervention.
• Strong partnerships: Collaboration can help connect people with additional support when needs cross different parts of life.

Why is Youth-specific Expertise Important?

Youth-specific services are built for young people rather than adapting an adult model. That can mean workers with experience supporting young people, an environment that feels more appropriate for their age and care that gives them a genuine say in their goals and next steps.

Martin Youth Foundation funds youth-specific programs delivered by service partners with experience supporting young people.

Why Does Long-term Support Matter?

Some challenges cannot be addressed through a single appointment or short program. A young person may need different kinds of support at different stages, particularly when moving from treatment back into everyday life.

Longer-term support can help them continue working towards recovery goals, reconnect with education or employment, strengthen relationships and access other services as their needs change. For charities working in this area, it is worth looking at whether support continues beyond the initial intervention.

What Ways Can You Support a Charity?

Depending on the organisation, you may be able to support its work through a one-off or regular donation, fundraising, workplace giving, corporate partnerships, sharing trusted resources or volunteering where opportunities exist.

Martin Youth Foundation offers several ways to get involved. Supporters can make a donation, set up a fundraiser, contribute through workplace giving, leave a gift in their will or explore corporate partnership opportunities. The best option will depend on whether you are giving as an individual, through your workplace or as part of a business.

How Does Martin Youth Foundation Support Young Australians?

Martin Youth Foundation funds evidence-based programs for young Australians experiencing alcohol and drug dependence, working with experienced service partners that deliver the care.

For more than 35 years, Martin Youth Foundation has been the major philanthropic funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm. The program provides youth-specific withdrawal, residential rehabilitation and aftercare for eligible young people aged 16 to 24.

Martin Youth Foundation also funds Youth Network, a six-month structured aftercare program delivered by Mission Australia across four sites in NSW and WA. Reported outcomes across all Youth Network aftercare locations from 2022 to 2025 show that 4 in 5 young people met or partially met their substance use recovery goals.

For someone considering a charity supporting young people, this is one example of what to look for: a clear purpose, experienced service partners, measurable outcomes and support that continues beyond a single point in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a children’s charity worth supporting?

Look for a clear mission, transparent operations, relevant expertise, responsible use of resources and credible evidence of impact. The right charity will also depend on the causes that matter to you.

How can I choose a children’s charity in Australia?

Start with the charity’s purpose, who it supports, how its programs work and how it measures outcomes. Financial, governance and annual reporting can also help you make a more informed decision.

How can I tell if a children’s charity is legitimate?

In Australia, you can use the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Charity Register to check whether an organisation is registered and review publicly available information about its activities and reporting.

Where does my charity donation go?

This varies between organisations. Donations may contribute to programs, staff, resources, administration, evaluation, fundraising and other costs needed to deliver the charity’s work responsibly.

How do charities measure impact?

Measures depend on the type of work. They may include program outputs, changes experienced by participants, longer-term outcomes and independent evaluation.

Can businesses support youth charities?

Yes. Depending on the organisation, businesses may be able to support its work through workplace giving, fundraising, corporate partnerships or other agreed initiatives.

How can I support young people beyond making a donation?

Options may include fundraising, workplace giving, corporate partnerships, volunteering where opportunities exist and sharing trusted information or resources.

Should I choose a local Australian children’s charity?

That depends on the causes and communities you want to support. An Australian charity may appeal if you want to support work taking place locally, but location is only one factor. Its purpose, approach, transparency and evidence of impact are also worth considering.

Make An Informed Choice About the Causes You Support

A charity should be able to show you what it exists to do, how it works and what difference its work is making. Taking a little time to look at its mission, evidence, transparency and expertise can help you choose an organisation that aligns with the issues you care about.

If supporting young Australians experiencing alcohol and drug dependence matters to you, learn more about Martin Youth Foundation, the programs it funds and the different ways you can get involved.