To make the process more convenient for donors, we assemble Panels of Noosa Charities by charitable “cluster”. Your funds will be shared across those charities in your preferred Panel.
Choosing one or more charities to support, especially if you are a large donor, is time consuming and a bit hit and miss. Our Panel approach does all the legwork for you; while letting you choose your area of interest. Please note that we are restricted by our Trust Deed and the regulations we operate under so we can not guarantee that we can or will donate to a specific recipient. Please discuss any preferences with us.
You can research any Noosa Charity on the Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC) website.
Read more on how to add a charity to this list.
Kickstart Future for Disadvantaged Noosa Young
For many, the key to a successful life probably lies in their education, social and family life in their youth.
People think of Noosa as rich but we actually have a bigger proportion in the lowest income bracket than the Australian average. And many of these households have children who risk missing out on these factors leading to a successful life due to financial hardship.
Kickstart is the portfolio of local charities the Foundation supports so these young have a better shot at success.
See how you can help!
Noosa Foundation Charity Panels
Our Panels cover the most common ‘clusters’ of charitable causes available in the Noosa region. Presently these are:
- Education, Training & Employment
- Environment, Conservation and Climate
- Individual / Family Services & Support
- Indigenous Community
- Arts & Culture
- Community & Economic Development
- Housing & Homelessness
- Animal Welfare & Training
- Disaster Relief (when necessary) and
- Untied where you allow us to use donations to the best effect.
Education, Training and Employment
This group focuses on assisting financially challenged youth with progressing their studies.
Learn how you can help Noosa’s youth get a much better education and therefore a much better life into the future.
See our list of blogs and other media on the powerful impact of education support for Noosa residents.
Altitude
Altitude believes all young people deserve the chance to realise their potential. Through our educational scholarships, we can help transform young lives and create far-reaching opportunities for success. Altitude gives young people who live or study in the Noosa region the chance to fulfill their potential and overcome financial barriers to success. We do this by providing scholarships through local schools and offering ongoing support. Our scholarships of $1500 a year support talented and motivated students who may otherwise lose out on the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams.
University of the Sunshine Coast
USC services the Noosa region with a full range of courses. Bursaries are typically $5,000 pa but you can donate any amount. If you do via the Foundation, we can request a preference for Noosa region students
Thursday Girls
The Thursday Girls provides grants to enable students from families that may be under financial stress to access optional educationally desirable school programs and activities (eg school camps, sporting activities, excursions, arts and music opportunities) or necessities (eg school book packs, uniforms). All funding is based on requests from School Principals, School Chaplains or School Counsellor
Candidates: these local and external charities serving the Noosa region may be suitable for Foundation donations but that is not yet confirmed. You can donate directly to them or request that we approach them on your behalf if you want your Foundation donations to be directed to them.
- Noosa Community Training Centre – training for unemployed to find jobs
- River Road Equine Assisted Learning – equine assisted emotional regulation support for youths and families
- Cooloola Noosa Life Education – health and lifestyle education for school students
Environment, Conservation and Climate
This is a group of Noosa charities working to improve the local environment.
Noosa & District Landcare
With over 20 years experience in vegetation management and horticulture, we provide a diverse range of services including carbon offsets, ecosystem restoration, native forest establishment and environmental property consultancy. Our strong environmental ethic and ability to deliver quality results, starting from project proposal stage through to implementation and post implementation maintenance, is widely recognised. We integrate training and education into everything we do by providing vocational and technical training and community awareness raising programs. We work directly with landholders, local, state and federal government, private investors, schools, universities and catchment care groups in the Burnett, Mary and Sunshine Coast regions. We deliver presentations and workshops both locally and interstate. Since its inception in 1991, Noosa & District Landcare has been operating as a not for profit organisation. Surpluses from commercial activities are used to fund community education programs.
Zero Emissions Noosa
Zero Emissions Noosa raised awareness and advocated to reduce emissions in the stationary energy and transport sectors in the Noosa shire area. We work with the local community and businesses to reach the goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2026 . As Noosa's primary emissions sources are electricity consumption (69%), and fossil-fuel powered vehicles (30%), Noosa is joining communities around the globe committing to meaningful action on climate change. This goal, in line with Noosa Council’s commitment to zero emissions from Council and Noosa’s environmental commitment, assists a key issue facing our planet – keeping global warming under two degrees. We see our role as ‘kick-starting’ that process in our own community, and empowering our residents, businesses and community organisations, to come on the journey to zero net community carbon emissions by 2026.
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA)
Dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of the Noosa River catchment Established in 1996, the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association, Inc (NICA) is a community-based not-for-profit organisation formed to coordinate and align natural resource management activities in the Noosa River catchment. NICA was responsible for the development of the original Noosa River Catchment Strategy and has since undertaken numerous terrestrial and on-water programs and initiatives to fulfill its aims. Today, NICA is the largest active-participation community organisation in the region specifically dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of the catchment. Learn more about NICA’s strategic goals, current and past programs.
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF)
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve, on Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Country, is a celebration of community and environment. Our pristine beaches, natural landscape, and rich biodiversity make the Noosa Shire an attractive place to live, work and visit. Here, our community values the arts, culture and environment. Together, we work to manage the region’s land, forests, mountains, waters, heathlands and wildlife sustainably. NBRF works with an array of stakeholders and partners to identify ways in which sustainable practices can be implemented to benefit the NBR.
Candidates: these local and external charities serving the Noosa region may be suitable for Foundation donations but that is not yet confirmed. You can donate directly to them or request that we approach them on your behalf if you want your Foundation donations to be directed to them.
Individual / Family Services & Support
This group focuses on supporting financially challenged individuals and families.
Sunshine Butterflies Disability Support
Sunshine Butterflies provides a broad range of daily recreational, educational and life skills programs for individuals of all ages. Their unique 15-acre space ‘Our Backyard' - the home of Sunshine Butterflies, is where they deliver their range of programs, support services, therapies, and activities for people with disability and their families. Sunshine Butterflies is more than a disability support service, their vision is empowering people with disability, by creating a unique and all-inclusive community.
Sunshine Butterflies Origin Video (4 mins) Wishlist
Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled
Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation providing equine-based therapeutic and recreational riding and driving programs for all members of the disability community on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Wishlist
Wishlist is our local hospital charity, dedicated to supporting the growing health needs of Noosa patients and families. Each year, Wishlist pledges $1 million toward essential services, including supported accommodation for those travelling to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) for treatment, vital medical equipment, local research, and support programs such as Clown Doctors, yoga therapy, and therapy dogs.With around 58,000 presentations from Noosa region residents to SCUH annually, Wishlist plays a crucial role in enhancing public healthcare access for our community.
Rise and Thrive Co
Rise and Thrive Co. is a community-focused organisation based on the Sunshine Coast, committed to breaking cycles of domestic and family violence through early intervention mental health programs for young people. Founded through lived experience and built on evidence-based practice, Rise and Thrive works with adolescents aged 12–23 who are navigating trauma, anxiety, and emotional isolation. Their innovative programs, like No Filters Needed and Bounce Back , blend mental health strategies with sport, movement, and creative expression, creating safe spaces for healing, confidence-building, and resilience. With 98 students already supported and a significant, growing regional demand, Rise and Thrive delivers real early intervention, prevention and impact.
OzHarvest Sunshine Coast
OzHarvest Sunshine Coast and Gympie started in 2014 and operates as far north as Gympie, down the Coast and into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. We rescue and redistribute over 15,000 kg of quality surplus food each month to charities, schools, community centres, youth programs, churches and other organisations helping to address the needs of vulnerable community members. Money donated in Noosa region will be used in that region if you specify.
SunnyKids
SunnyKids provides essential support services to children and families experiencing domestic and family violence and hardship. Our integrated support network provides a range of life-saving services to thousands of families each year. We believe it takes a village to raise a child and in doing so, we work tirelessly within local communities to help educate and break the cycle of violence and hardship.
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice is an independent hospice in Doonan, providing palliative care and support to patients with terminal illness and their families, enabling them to make the most of the time they have together. We also offer an Outreach Service which enables our nursing team to provide care to those community members who have received an end-of-life diagnosis and who wish to remain in their own homes. We are pleased to be able to offer these services at no charge to the patient nor their families. With a team of dedicated professionals, Katie Rose Cottage Hospice is committed to providing the highest quality of care to all its patients and their families.
Hoofbeats Sanctuary and Kanyini Collective
Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a trauma-healing centre that brings people, animals and nature together to improve the emotional well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community – women and girls living with mental health challenges resulting from complex trauma.
Kanyini Collective brings together an array of qualified practitioners, teachers and speakers to support your health and wellness on all levels. Costs are kept to an absolute minimum and many of our practitioners are volunteering their time for some or all classes.
Tewantin-Noosa Meals on Wheels
For over 50 years NFP Tewantin-Noosa Meals on Wheels has been safely delivering nutritious meals to aged and infirm Noosa residents who would otherwise be unable or struggle to prepare their own meals. Our mission is to empower our aged and infirm clients within the Noosa region to remain independent and healthy by home delivering nutritious, high-quality meals at very reasonable prices from a team of caring and committed volunteers and staff. We provide inexpensive catering options to local groups, organisations and businesses. We are dependent upon external funding and grants to continue our community work. We gratefully accept any kind donations, bequests, or other funding opportunities. Tax-deductibility applies.
PTSD Dogs Australia
We gift fully trained Assistance Dogs , free of charge, to Veterans and First Responders living with PTSD, anxiety, depression or another diagnosed psychiatric condition, and we support their families through the recovery journey that follows. It takes our specialist Assistance Dog Behaviourist over 600 hours to train an Assistance Dog and its handler to be Public Access ready, and for some handlers it takes considerably longer. We work at each handler's own pace and alongside their treating specialists. For handlers who already have a suitable dog, our Train Your Own Assistance Dog program, and our certification and recertification program, give individuals and families the ongoing support and legal standing they need to keep their public access rights. Incoming federal and state legislation means thousands of people will lose their public access rights if they are not working with a certified training company. Our certification and recertification program offers handlers that opportunity, upholding training standards for the life of the partnership, not just at graduation.
Candidates: these local and external charities serving the Noosa region may be suitable for Foundation donations but that is not yet confirmed. You can donate directly to them or request that we approach them on your behalf if you want your Foundation donations to be directed to them.
- Pomona Meals on Wheels
- Coolum Beach Meals on Wheels
- Noosa Prostrate Association – raises funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
- You Turn Youth Support
- Waves of Kindness op shop – provide emergency relief in cash, payment of expenses and provision of goods and services.
- Noosa Men’s Shed – facilities and an environment that facilitates the physical and mental well being of men
- Coolum Men’s Shed – facilities and an environment that facilitates the physical and mental well being of men
- Care Outreach – support rural and remote farm families with face to face visits providing physical aid and emotional and pastoral care.
- Spring Lifestyle Supports – support independent living for disabled people.
Indigenous Community
This group focuses on supporting indigenous individuals, families and groups.
SevGen Indigenous Corp.
SevGen is short for Seven Generations—an Indigenous philosophy reminding us that every decision we make today shapes the lives of those who will follow. Our work is built on connection: to Country, culture, community and one another. Guided by the wisdom of our Elders, we empower people to discover their unique gifts while reconnecting with Indigenous ways of living, learning and caring for Country. Through Indigenous-led initiatives in environmental care, social enterprise, youth engagement, cultural education, employment pathways and community wellbeing, we create opportunities that strengthen people, protect Country and build resilient communities. Every donation is an investment in people, culture and Country. Your support helps preserve Indigenous knowledge, create opportunities, care for the environment and empower communities to build a stronger, more sustainable future. Together, we can create a legacy of hope, resilience and opportunity for the next seven generations. Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey.
Arts & Culture
This group focuses on supporting the arts and cultural activities in Noosa
Noosa FM Radio 101.3
Noosa-based NFP Noosa FM Radio 101.3 broadcasts from The J in Noosa Junction.
It covers from Gympie to the lower Sunshine Coast.
You can make tax deductible donations and sponsorships to assist with the great work Noosa FM does in our community.
Noosa Alive
10 days of music, theatre, thought & performances in a magical part of Australia, Noosa! We will ignite your senses with live shows, literary events, thought provoking, mind tingling, sensory overload performances accompanying food & wine with Noosa as our backdrop. Family friendly activities will be included. The Noosa Alive! festival (Formerly Noosa Long Weekend) presents a diverse program of events attracting some of the best Australian and international performers, writers, film-makers, musicians, artists, chefs, environmentalists and commentators. Set on Gubbi Gubbi country the 10 day event annually in JULY provides a spectacular array of plays, performances and breathtaking productions set amidst a stunning array of premium Noosa locations and premier dining venues.
Candidates: these local and external charities serving the Noosa region may be suitable for Foundation donations but that is not yet confirmed. You can donate directly to them or request that we approach them on your behalf if you want your Foundation donations to be directed to them.
- Noosa Arts & Craft
- Noosa Arts Theatre
- Sunshine Coast Creative Writing Institute – promote and encourage the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of writing
- Pomona Arts Inc – Advancing Culture via Pomona Silent Film Theatre.
Community & Economic Development
This group focuses on supporting community and economic development activities in Noosa
Candidates: these local and external charities serving the Noosa region may be suitable for Foundation donations but that is not yet confirmed. You can donate directly to them or request that we approach them on your behalf if you want your Foundation donations to be directed to them.
- Volunteer Coastguard – external but funds used locally
- Rural Fire Brigades Association Qld – external but funds used locally
- Noosa District Community FM Radio Association – community broadcaster
Housing & Homeless
This group focuses on addressing housing and homeless issues in the Noosa community
Candidates: these local and external charities serving the Noosa region may be suitable for Foundation donations but that is not yet confirmed. You can donate directly to them or request that we approach them on your behalf if you want your Foundation donations to be directed to them.
- Making Lives Matter – has a fundraising op shop that helps with housing and family support
Animal Welfare & Training
This group focuses on groups looking after the welfare of animals and those training animals to help e.g. people with disabilities like sight and PTSD in the Noosa community
PTSD Dogs Australia
We gift fully trained Assistance Dogs, free of charge, to Veterans and First Responders living with PTSD, anxiety, depression or another diagnosed psychiatric condition, and we support their families through the recovery journey that follows. Every dog we place starts as a rescue from a shelter or death row. We give these dogs a second chance at a loving and fulfilling life, training them to full Assistance Dog qualification and meet the high standards required of a government certified assistance dog program. We have proven to the Assistance Dog world, our industry doesn’t need to breed puppies, shelter dogs can and do exceed the expectations within our industry. In our program it is the dog who chooses their human, we believe every shelter dog can rescue a human, and every human can rescue a dog!
Candidates: these local and external charities serving the Noosa region may be suitable for Foundation donations but that is not yet confirmed. You can donate directly to them or request that we approach them on your behalf if you want your Foundation donations to be directed to them.
- Paws for a Purpose – discounted and free vaccinations for pets of disadvantaged people
- Soquilichi Rescue Ranch – assisting with unwanted, abused, neglected animals, wild animals, surrenders and DV situations.
- Qld Koala Crusaders – principal activities are new Koala habitat
Untied Donations
When a donor does not specify their charitable preference, we will use our discretion to allocate money. Generally, we look to support Noosa charities that make a long term impact on the region and the residents. Untied funds are donated in proportions similar to the amounts donated to specific types of charities so that we track the donation patterns of Noosa Region residents.
Add to this list
If you know of a local charity, or an outside one that services the Noosa region, that is not listed here, please contact us on reception@noosa.foundation
Please note, the minimum tests for acceptance are;
- the charity demonstrably uses all money donated by the Foundation within the Noosa region
- Donations are used to help recipients and not for general admin
- it is registered as a DGR1 charity