Who Is Caritas Australia?

Who is Caritas Australia?

* Catholic agency that does not discriminate on who we work with

* Committed to delivering aid and development in a highly efficient manner

* Member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest development agencies in the world

* Focused on sustainability by always working with local partners

* We recognise the structural nature of poverty and the need to challenge these structures

Caritas means compassion

Caritas Australia is the Catholic agency for international aid and development. The Latin word Caritas means love and compassion. Qualities that are central to our work.

Administration costs are kept low

We help people to help themselves, regardless of race, political beliefs, gender or religion. Caritas Australia works hard to make sure that as much aid as possible actually reaches those who need it. The administration/aid ratio of Caritas Australia is one of the best in the world. We keep our administration and fundraising costs at or below 10% of our income. 92% of all money raised by Caritas Australia during an emergency appeal is actually sent to that country.

International network

Caritas Australia belongs to an international network called Caritas Internationalis. Caritas Internationalis is one of the largest aid and development agencies in the world comprising a network of 162 Catholic relief aid, development and social service organisations working to build a better world, especially for the poor and oppressed, in over 200 countries and territories.

Reflecting the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, Caritas Australia works with the local people of a particular country in all of its programs. We work in the field through our local partners. The partnership approach is central to our philosophy that international partners are best placed to identify their own community's needs and problems. Working through local partners is central to ensuring sustainability as the local communities design and manage their own development programs in a manner, which is culturally appropriate and owned by the community. Caritas Australia does not need to spend money on building a new organisation every time a need arises because donations are more efficiently directed through these local partners.

Caritas Australia works with our international partners in addressing the causes of their poverty and bringing about long-term change. We support programs for human development and self-reliance. These include improving health, overcoming illiteracy, reducing environmental damage, conserving cultural identity and providing training for better agricultural practices.

Project Compassion

Caritas Australia invites guests from our partner countries to visit Australia each Lent to speak to us about Caritas development programs in their country. Project Compassion is the main way Caritas Australia raises money. Every Catholic school, every Catholic parish and all Australians are invited to be part of the Project Compassion campaign each Lent.

Creating change

Caritas Australia has education and advocacy programs within Australia, working to help Australians become aware of the causes of injustice and poverty and encouraging people to take action. We take up these issues in recognition of the structural impediments to people breaking free from the cycle of poverty.

Our Mission

Caritas Australia works towards the creation of a world that God desires to be just and compassionate. Caritas works for the freedom of those who are oppressed by injustice, bringing 'sight' to both those who are powerless and powerful and proclaiming to the poor the good news of their human dignity. This work is undertaken principally through the life-giving activities of aid and development.

As God created humanity to be in right relationship, so Caritas Australia will seek to work through right relationships or partnerships to bring freedom to the world's poorest communities today. Caritas Australia works within Australia by inviting people into a just and compassionate partnership