How just $5 a week is inspiring a new way of philanthropy
In an era where charitable donations in Australia are on the decline, Brianna Kerr, the founder of Five Bucks, is spearheading a movement to transform the way we think about giving.
Through her innovative approach, she's harnessing the power of community and collective giving to engage younger generations and inspire a new wave of philanthropy.
Meet Brianna Kerr
Brianna, who juggles multiple roles including consulting for Global Citizen and lecturing at the Centre for Social Impact at the University of NSW, founded Five Bucks after recognising a significant gap in the philanthropic landscape—particularly concerning young people. She observed that many young Australians wanted to give but felt constrained by financial limitations and overwhelmed by choice
The Birth of Five Bucks
The idea for Five Bucks initially emerged from conversations Brianna was having with leaders in philanthropy. There was a strong push to double giving by 2030 in Australia, but few seemed focused on how to engage young people in the push. Interested in how her peers were engaging with giving, she conducted a survey of 160 young Australians between the ages of 23-36, discovering that four in five respondents expressed a desire to give more and can give more. However, they faced barriers such as decision paralysis and compassion fatigue. They didn’t know who to give to, how much and how often - it all felt overwhelming.
Brianna’s solution was simple yet profound: what if everyone chipped in just five bucks a week?
Collective Giving: The Way Forward
Five Bucks operates as a giving circle where each member contributes $5 a week or $20 a month to a fund held securely by Australian Communities Foundation. Annually, this money is then dispersed as grants to organisations addressing crucial issues in climate and social equity.
Brianna emphasises that collective giving can help counteract the decline in charitable donations in Australia and that by pooling resources, individuals can have a more significant impact. Brianna is particularly inspired by movements like Philanthropy Together that have demonstrated how collective giving invites a diversity of voices and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive approach to addressing social issues.
By decentralising power and diversifying access to funds, Five Bucks creates a pathway for a more equitable distribution of resources.
Philanthropy Redefined
For Brianna, philanthropy has evolved from the traditional image of wealthy individuals handing out cheques to a broader understanding centred on the love of humanity. She believes that philanthropy should be accessible to all, not just the affluent. Five Bucks aims to create a space where generosity is not defined by wealth but by a willingness to contribute what one can. This model not only makes giving accessible but also fosters a sense of community among members.
The Vision for Five Bucks
Brianna's ambitious vision is to rally 1 million Australians to contribute $5.00 AUD weekly, to raise $260 million annually. Yet, this goal goes beyond mere fundraising; it seeks to reverse the decade long decline in the number of Australians giving to charity. A prevalent theory suggests that decreasing community engagement has led to diminished charitable contributions. Brianna recognises that the true value lies not just in the funds raised but in the community built around them. Reversing the per capita decline in giving will require a concerted effort from all segments of society. By encouraging people to reflect on their privilege and capacity to give, Five Bucks aspires to foster a culture of generosity and reinvigorate the community spirit that has faded.
Take Action Today
Brianna encourages individuals to start small. You don’t need a formal structure to create a giving circle—gather a few friends, discuss shared values, and commit to giving together. The possibilities are endless, and every little contribution counts.
Brianna Kerr and Five Bucks are redefining what it means to be a philanthropist in Australia. By leveraging collective giving and fostering community, she is not only addressing the decline in donations but also inspiring a new generation to engage in philanthropy meaningfully. Embracing these values may hold the key to revitalising charitable contributions—not just in Australia, but worldwide.