A national fundraiser to secure birth certificates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is closing in on its $500,000 goal, with advocates warning that thousands remain shut out of essential rights and services without this basic document.

Pathfinders' National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program offers free certificates and hands-on application support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are unregistered or missing vital paperwork.

So far, the program has helped nearly 24,000 people break through barriers such as cost, distance, red tape, missing records, and a deep distrust of government rooted in the legacy of the Stolen Generations.

Without a birth certificate, people hit roadblocks enrolling in school, joining sports clubs, opening bank accounts, applying for tax file numbers, getting a driver's licence, voting or accessing government support.

Pathfinders estimates that over 200,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still lack a birth certificate.

The group's 'Fund a birth certificate for an Aboriginal child' campaign has attracted over 5,000 supporters and is pushing to raise $500,000 to keep the program afloat.

Clients say the program has made the process simpler and more culturally safe.

"It was a great experience, very culturally appropriate, especially having it at the AMS, where it's a local space for us and in the community," one client said.

Another said the program made a real difference for families who might otherwise struggle to afford or navigate the process.

"As a single mum, it's a beautiful service, and I'm so grateful for it," they said.

Pathfinders reports that its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff have watched birth certificates open doors: helping people launch businesses, start teaching careers, enrol children in daycare and reconnect families with culture and community.

The organisation is calling for donations starting at $60 to fund certificates for children and families in need.