Empower change with workplace giving
Workplace giving is a powerful and simple way for both individuals and organisations to help grow the reach of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid® Program.
By enabling employees to donate through payroll deductions, your organisation is helping to expand access to culturally safe training, empowering Australians to better understand and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing mental health problems.
Partnering with us through workplace giving means your organisation will be at the forefront of a movement that is changing lives and creating culturally safer circles of support for all Australians.
Why we need your support
Since 2007, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (MHFA®) Program has empowered communities with culturally safe training to support First Nations peoples experiencing mental health problems or crises.
Developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this program recognises the importance of social and emotional wellbeing, community connection, and culturally informed care.
But the need is growing – and we want to do more. Through workplace giving, you can help us expand the reach of this vital program, train more instructors in community, and build the capacity of more Australians to provide support through a culturally safe lens.
What your support makes possible
Your support helps drive real change – here’s what we’re working towards together:
Increase access to training
50 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA instructors, enabling more communities to receive fee-free, culturally safe training in 2026.
Strengthen community engagement
A dedicated First Nations Engagement & Advocacy role, fostering deeper connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Enhance research support
A First Nations Researcher position to drive the development and enhancement of culturally relevant, evidence-based programs.
Tailor support for remote communities
A specialised MHFA course piloted in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring relevant mental health support is available where it’s needed most.
Benefits for employers
Workplace giving creates a culture of community engagement and social responsibility. It provides a tax-effective way to contribute to the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations communities, boosting employee morale and showing your commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Employers can further amplify the impact by matching employee donations, making it possible for a small team to generate a large-scale impact.
Benefits for employees
As an employee, workplace giving offers an easy and impactful way to make a difference. Donations are deducted directly from your pre-tax salary, reducing your taxable income and enhancing the value of your contribution.
Once it’s set up, it happens automatically, making it a simple way to support the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and help create culturally safer circles of support for all Australians.
Get in touch
If you’d like to learn more about setting up workplace giving at your organisation, or if you have any questions about other ways for your organisation to support MHFA, we’d love to connect.
For workplaces
How is workplace giving set up?
You can easily set up a workplace giving program by working with your payroll team to facilitate employee donations through salary deductions. They can likely help you to support this process:
1. Employees sign up
Team members decide if they’d like to take part and select how much they’d like to contribute – either a fixed amount each pay cycle or a one-off donation.
2. Payroll deductions & employer support
Your payroll team arranges for the donation to come straight from pre-tax income, making it easy and tax-effective. Some organisations choose to match employee donations – either dollar-for-dollar or at a set percentage – boosting the overall impact.
3. Your donations reach us
The total amount raised through employee contributions and employer matching (if chosen) is transferred to us.
4. Impact reporting
In return, we keep your team in the loop with updates on how their donations are growing the reach of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA.
What are the benefits of matching employee donations?
Matching employee donations not only doubles the impact but also shows your organisation’s commitment to supporting social causes. It can boost employee morale, encourage participation, and enhance your reputation as a socially responsible employer.
Can our organisation make tax-deductible donations to MHFA?
Yes, your organisation can make tax-deductible donations to MHFAI. As a registered charity, MHFAI is eligible to receive tax-deductible gifts under Australian tax laws. Donations made through workplace giving or direct contributions to support MHFAI programs can typically be claimed as tax deductions.
For individuals
How do I sign up for workplace giving?
To join the program, simply speak with your HR or payroll team to set up payroll deductions. You can choose to donate a fixed amount each pay cycle or make a one-time donation.
How are my donations deducted?
Donations are automatically deducted from your pre-tax salary, meaning you pay less tax. The amount you choose to donate will be deducted each pay period until you decide to make changes.
Can I get a tax benefit for my donation?
Yes! Because your donations are taken from your pre-tax salary, they reduce your taxable income, meaning you can pay less tax. At the end of the year, you’ll receive a statement summarizing your donations for easy tax filing.
