Don’t Get Caught Out: Common ACNC Compliance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
For many small charities in Australia, compliance with regulatory obligations can feel like an overwhelming burden. Between chasing funding, managing volunteers, and delivering community programs, administration and record-keeping can easily slip down the priority list. But failing to comply with ACNC requirements can lead to serious consequences, including loss of registration, reputational damage, and […]
U.S. Court Rules in Favor of AFBRI in Dispute with Israeli Academy Over Donations
April 2025 – A U.S. appeals court has sided with the American Foundation for Basic Research in Israel, Inc. (AFBRI) in a legal fight with the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, deciding that the Academy has no right to claim control over AFBRI’s donations. The Israel Academy, a top research institution established […]
A New Era for Community Foundations
A New Era for Community Foundations: Major Reform Unlocks Exciting Opportunities A groundbreaking reform is reshaping the future of community philanthropy in Australia, paving the way for community foundations to thrive like never before. With the release of the Taxation Administration (Community Charity) Guidelines 2025, a newly established pathway to Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status […]
Charities and the Upcoming Federal Election: What You Can and Can’t Do
With Australia’s federal election just around the corner, charities across the country are considering how they can advocate for their causes while staying within the law. Can they push for policy changes? Can they engage with political candidates? Where is the line between advocacy and partisanship? Let’s break it down. Charities […]
Must-Have Policies for Every Charity
Charities don’t just change lives—they need policies that protect them. Without the right framework, even the best intentions can fall short. Want to know a charity’s stance on a particular issue? Want to know if a charity has any safety measures if anything happens? That’s where policies come in. Running a charity requires […]
Bill to Introduce New Category of DGR Charities
In recent exciting news, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Support for Small Business and Charities and Other Measures) Bill 2023 introduces a new class of Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) charities. This Bill, introduced in September 2023, has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is now nearing completion and awaiting royal assent. […]
Can Charities Engage in Political Advocacy?
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) provides guidance for charities engaging in campaigning and advocacy activities. These activities are crucial for charities to fulfill their missions, raise awareness, and advocate for social change. The ACNC emphasizes several key principles to ensure that charities engage in these activities effectively and responsibly. When it comes […]
I Want to Give to a Charity: How Do I Know Where the Money is Going?
In a world full of worthy causes and charitable organisations, the desire to make a positive impact is commendable. However, it is important of ensure your hard-earned money goes to the right place. Let’s unravel the legal aspects and practical considerations that can guide your philanthropic journey. Navigating the Charity Landscape When […]
Ten Tips for Navigating the Legal Landscape: Launching Your Charitable Dream
Embarking on the journey of establishing a charity in Australia is not only a noble pursuit, but also a venture that demands careful consideration of the legal intricacies involved. To ensure your charitable efforts are not hampered by legal hurdles, here are ten tips to guide you through the process. 1. Understand the Legal […]
Can Charities be used for Terrorism Financing?
In the absence of robust and airtight protocols for charitable organizations, there exists a potential threat of funds being improperly utilized for terrorism financing. This contravenes the law, specifically Division 103 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), which prohibits the intentional collection or provision of money with reckless disregard for its application in a […]