Abstract
The Northern Territory’s not-for-profit (NFP) sector remains essential to the Territory’s economy and social fabric. This report, the fourth in a series commissioned by the Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS), analyses the sector’s economic and social contributions, as well as its sustainability, drawing primarily on the 2022 ACNC Annual Information Statement (AIS) data, the most recent data collected by the regulator, but also considering other published data. It highlights emerging trends post-COVID-19 and in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, addressing critical challenges, and offering commentary to support the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Sector Growth and Composition
The NT charity sector grew significantly, with 509 registered charities in 2022, up 14% from 2021. This growth primarily stemmed from small- and medium-sized organisations, indicating sector recovery and increased demand at the community level. However, a decline in large charities suggests restructuring, downsizing, or financial strain among bigger organisations.
Social Contribution
Charities collectively delivered 2,750 programs, with 40% (1,059) of those from charities headquartered in the Northern Territory. The top three activities remained human services, religion and faith-based spirituality (advancement of religion), and arts and culture, reflecting sustained community demand and cultural significance. An increase in total programs administered can be seen across every main activity with an 18% increase overall, alongside 68% of charities now delivering more than one program or service to the community.
Economic Contribution
Employment grew to 13,209 staff, representing 9.7% of NT’s total workforce, while volunteer engagement increased to 12,593, strengthening the sector’s reliance on community support and providing a value-add of $27.3 million.
Financial Sustainability
While total income increased to $1.7 billion (5.4% growth), financial pressures persist. Government grants declined as COVID-19 support tapered, now representing 53% of total revenue, with goods and services income rising to 35.5% of total revenue. However, profitability fell by 38.9%, with operating margins clustering close to breakeven, leaving 77.6% of charities below NT’s 2023 CPI level and therefore not maintaining their resource capacity in real terms.
Sector Growth and Composition
The NT charity sector grew significantly, with 509 registered charities in 2022, up 14% from 2021. This growth primarily stemmed from small- and medium-sized organisations, indicating sector recovery and increased demand at the community level. However, a decline in large charities suggests restructuring, downsizing, or financial strain among bigger organisations.
Social Contribution
Charities collectively delivered 2,750 programs, with 40% (1,059) of those from charities headquartered in the Northern Territory. The top three activities remained human services, religion and faith-based spirituality (advancement of religion), and arts and culture, reflecting sustained community demand and cultural significance. An increase in total programs administered can be seen across every main activity with an 18% increase overall, alongside 68% of charities now delivering more than one program or service to the community.
Economic Contribution
Employment grew to 13,209 staff, representing 9.7% of NT’s total workforce, while volunteer engagement increased to 12,593, strengthening the sector’s reliance on community support and providing a value-add of $27.3 million.
Financial Sustainability
While total income increased to $1.7 billion (5.4% growth), financial pressures persist. Government grants declined as COVID-19 support tapered, now representing 53% of total revenue, with goods and services income rising to 35.5% of total revenue. However, profitability fell by 38.9%, with operating margins clustering close to breakeven, leaving 77.6% of charities below NT’s 2023 CPI level and therefore not maintaining their resource capacity in real terms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| Publisher | UWA Centre for Public Value |
| Publication status | Published - 19 Jun 2025 |
Funding
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Northern Territory Council of Social Service |