What is Caritas
On the ground around the world
Daw Hla Hla and her son in temporary shelter following the Myanmar earthquake. Photo: Benny Manser for Caritas.
Caritas Australia is part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, the Caritas Confederation.
For over 60 years, we have stood alongside marginalised communities around the world to confront the challenges of poverty. Our global network of partners and local organisations means we are able to reach those most in need, responding quickly in times of crisis and working long-term to help communities build sustainable futures.
Our approach is locally-led, placing those who are most affected at the centre of decision making and program implementation, enabling communities to thrive and reach their full potential.
As the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church, we have access to a robust network of churches and community groups around the world, groups that are already deeply familiar with on-the-ground circumstances and community issues. We support all people, regardless of religion, race or political differences.
Guided by dignity, hope and compassion, we accompany people to drive their own development, drawing on local strengths and resources. Through collaboration with parishes, schools and communities across Australia, we continue to advocate for a more just and equitable world—working together for dignity and a thriving future for all.
What we do
A Caritas worker walks through the destruction in Gaza. Photo: Caritas Jerusalem
Humanitarian Aid
Caritas is a world leader in emergency responses. We coordinate with the international Caritas network and our partners on the ground to bring emergency relief in the form of food, clean water, emergency shelter, hygiene kits and cash assistance. We share our resources and technical expertise to help communities receive long-term support to recover and rebuild stronger.
Janice is a traditional dancer who tells stories through movements handed down over generations. Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia
First Australian Partners
We support programs in Australia that are designed and led by First Australians. We believe in subsidiarity: that the people best placed to make decisions are those who will be most affected by them. We walk alongside First Australian communities to strengthen their cultural identity, support intergenerational healing and keep culture alive for future generations.
Monoranjon and Anita live in a coastal region in Bangladesh that is affected by climate change. Photo: Caritas Australia
International Development
From walking alongside First Nations communities in Australia to improving access to food and water in Zimbabwe, we work with communities around the world to create sustainable change. Our development programs cover communities through the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
Program highlights
![20240718 111724[1]](/media/24ebmz5t/20240718_111724-1.jpg?width=960&height=641&v=1dbb89b9c79c7f0)
Angeline's vegetable garden has flourished after she participated in conservation agriculture training. Photo: Caritas Gokwe
Zimbabwe Integrated Community Development program
The program targets vulnerable households to enhance their capacity to tackle food insecurity and help improve the diversity of their food and improve their income. The project particularly targets women and girls to ensure they can access clean and safe water.
Since adopting the farming techniques acquired from the training, Angeline’s yields have flourished. She can grow a variety of vegetables so that her children can enjoy a healthier and more balanced diet. She can sell excess produce to earn an income and use that money to pay for her school fees. The project also built a water point in Angeline’s village, and they now have tap water only 300 metres from their home.
This program was delivered in partnership with the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Delivering WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) in Samoa
With the help of Caritas Australia supporters, Caritas Samoa has been
able to provide WASH facilities and training across the country. Caritas Samoa is installing water tanks in crucial areas of communities, such as schools and family homes, to prevent children from missing out on education because of waterborne diseases, dehydration, and school closures due to drought.
A water tank was installed at Leaia’s home to harvest rainwater, giving
her family a consistent supply and improving their health and living conditions. The family now has a piped toilet, septic tank and shower on their property.
Leaia with her new water tank outside her home. Photo: Laura Womersley/Caritas Australia
Monoranjon and Anita live in a coastal region in Bangladesh that is affected by climate change. Photo: Caritas Australia
Bangladesh Community Managed Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience program
Caritas Australia, through local partner, Caritas Bangladesh, helps farmers learn climate resilient farming methods to combat the depletion of crop yields, and the sharing of those skills with other local community members. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), the program helps communities protect their futures.
Monoranjon gained invaluable knowledge and skills in climate-resilient organic vegetable cultivation, poultry and livestock rearing, livestock vaccination, fish polyculture, and crab fattening. He gained knowledge in salt-tolerant vegetable farming, acquiring skills such as mulching, composting, advancing his own organic fertiliser and pesticide production and use.
Supporting displaced communities in Sudan
Caritas Australia supported partners CAFOD and NCA (Norwegian Church Aid) in Sudan to provide urgent aid and assistance to those forced from their homes, including essentials like access to clean water, food, sanitation, and shelter.
Since the outbreak of violence, Caritas Australia’s partners have distributed food at 17 gathering points for internally displaced people.
A camp for displaced Sudanese people. Photo: CAFOD.
Responding
to humanitarian emergencies around the world. Last year, 542,181 people were directly reached through Caritas Australia emergency funding.
Implementing
Disaster Risk Reduction strategies, particularly in the Pacific Islands, where local communities are experiencing rising sea levels due to climate change. Last year, 25,612 people participated in disaster risk reduction training.
Helping
Rural communities with sustainable agricultural practices, such as helping farming families adapt to climate change impacts in Bangladesh. Last year, 25,800 people adopted improved agricultural and fisheries practices.
Building
water catchments, so communities have access to fresh, clean water and are able to grow crops. Last year, 84,091 people gained improved access to clean water.
Providing
Support to women around the world for education, women's rights, and counselling. Last year, 64,281 people participated in sessions on gender issues and women's rights.
Training
Vulnerable people to learn new skills to grow their incomes. Last year, 10,108 people started or expanded a small business.
Alleviating
Poverty in Indigenous Australia through projects such as Djilpin Arts, which generates an income and provides sustainable development opportunities for women and young people in rural communities. Last year, we supported 401,530 direct and indirect participants across Australia.
Advocating
For fair policies in Australia where these policies directly impact our partner communities, including on climate change, restoring the overseas aid budget and justice for First Australians.
Your support empowers communities to build brighter futures
Shaniella learnt disaster risk reduction skills to prepare for emergencies in the Solomon Islands. Photo: Neil Nuia
By partnering with local communities, you help create lasting change, improving access to sustainable livelihoods, clean water, sanitation, and education.
We know that real, lasting change happens when it’s led by the people themselves. That’s why, with your support, we invest directly in community-led solutions and work hand-in-hand with local leaders to eliminate poverty, focusing on their strengths and supporting solutions that will last for generations.
Africa
Countries we work in:
Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
In Tanzania, we help women like Oliva to become financially independent through literacy and numeracy classes.
Pacific
Countries we work in:
Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
In Solomon Islands, Shaniella grew up in a remote village in a province which has limited educational and job opportunities – and one of the country’s highest poverty rates. After leaving school, she decided to move closer to the capital city, Honiara, to study hospitality and tourism.
Asia
Countries we work in:
Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, Indonesia and TImor Leste.
In Nepal, 16-year-old Laxmi lives in one of the most remote communities which experiences high levels of poverty.  
Australia
In Australia, many remote communities, Indigenous languages are being lost and traditional social structures are breaking down.
Janice is a Wagilak woman living on Jawoyn country in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
Your support
What you achieved in FY24.
$9.75 million
raised for Project Compassion in 2024.
$3.8 million
raised by our Champions for Change regular givers.
$2.86 million
raised for emergency responses.
1,724 schools
participated in Project Compassion.
Project Compassion
Project Compassion is our annual Lenten fundraiser and awareness appeal. Annually, 1,700 schools and 1,200 parishes across Australia take part, with Caritas Australia calling on the community to Unite Against Poverty for Project Compassion in 2025.
Transforming lives
Thanks to your generosity, Caritas Australia supported approximately 1 million direct participants across 36 countries during 2023-2024.
Read our Annual Reports and Financial Reports to see the impact that we have made, together.Â
Rocket attack on the Ohmadyt Children's Hospital Kyiv. Photo: Caritas-Spes Ukraine
Emergency repsonse
Earthquakes, floods, famine, conflict, droughts, storms can strike anywhere, anytime, and impact the poor and vulnerable hardest. Donating to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Appeal and Emergency Appeals ensures your money gets to those who need it most, as fast as possible.
