Generosity in the Age of Uncertainty

I just got back from a week’s holiday. It was a fabulous week, but if I’m honest there was also an underlying level of anxiety sitting in the background as I kept glancing at the news headlines.

The world feels unsettled right now.

Last year we were already wondering what this kind of uncertainty might mean for Australian donors. In our research, 70% of them told us they felt pessimistic or very pessimistic about the global political situation. That was already a striking signal, especially when compared with how they felt about Australian politics, where 48% said they felt pessimistic.

Since then we’ve seen further escalation in global conflict and growing economic instability.

Most importantly, we are witnessing terrible human consequences for people living in countries directly affected by these conflicts. While it is impossible to compare our experience with the level of instability and fear those communities must be living with, it is also likely that the ripple effects will be felt across the world. Rising oil prices, volatile markets, and broader economic uncertainty can quickly translate into a growing sense of financial insecurity for many households.

And that matters for charitable giving.

We know that economic optimism is closely linked to generosity. When people feel confident about the future, they are more comfortable spending, investing and giving. But when the world feels unstable - even if someone’s personal finances haven’t changed - that uncertainty can make people pause and pull back.

In other words, generosity tends to rise and fall with optimism.

That’s why it is so important that we continue to track how supporters feel about the world around them. Understanding sentiment - hope, confidence and trust - can tell us just as much about the future of charitable giving as economic indicators alone.

It also raises a bigger question for the sector: what role do we play in helping people navigate uncertain times?

When we asked Australians who they would trust most to help shape the world over the next three years, 26% said scientists and researchers - the highest of any group - followed by educators at 15% and community or grassroots leaders at 11%.

That’s a powerful reminder for organisations to make sure these voices are heard. In uncertain times, the most trusted messengers - scientists, researchers, educators and community leaders - can help share messages grounded in facts, hope and humanity.