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The Charitable Purpose
ACNC monthly e-newsletter
January 2024
Commissioner's Column
Now is the time most charities are preparing to submit their Annual Information Statements, due on 31 January. This is also the time to make sure you have notified us of any changes, such as new people on your governing body (your directors or committee of management), changes made to your constitution, any change to your contact details or your charity’s address (where we send you important notices, what we call your ‘Address for Service’).
Charity news and updates
Productivity Commission Philanthropy Inquiry Draft report
Final submissions are due by 9 February 2024
Guidance and resources for charities
Help accessing the Charity Portal
If you need help signing up to the Charity Portal, or if you are having issues with your access, we've developed some guidance to help you along the way and troubleshoot common issues you may encounter.
Newly published registration decision
The ACNC has published a new registration decision summary, outlining key factors it considered in determining an organisation’s eligibility to be registered as a charity, with the subtype of ‘advancing social or public welfare.’
Governance for good: A guide for Responsible People
There are some important things your charity can do to ensure it is being governed effectively. This guide is designed to help your charity’s Responsible People understand good governance, their responsibilities and duties, and the obligations your charity has to the ACNC.
Reminder: Related party transactions webinar
With the 2023 Annual Information Statement due this month, charities are reminded of our latest webinar which covered the specific obligations charities may have, and answered some common questions asked by the sector. You can watch the recording of the webinar at any time here.
2023 Annual Information Statement
Charities that operate on a standard financial year (1 July to 30 June) must submit their 2023 Annual Information Statement prior to 31 January.
Remember there will be new questions requiring you to report your charity's dealings with related parties. Learn more about the new questions and what you need to know before completing your charity's AIS in the AIS Hub.
Get in early, beat the rush and submit via the Portal now.
Stay up to date
Answering your questions
A few of the most common questions we have been hearing from charities recently...
Q. My charity was sent a reminder saying it’s time to submit our Annual Information Statement – what do we need to do now?
A. Charities that operate on a standard financial year (1 July to 30 June) need to submit their 2023 Annual Information Statement by 31 January 2024.
You need to submit your charity’s Annual Information Statement in the ACNC Charity Portal. If you have trouble logging in or creating an account, or can’t see your charity listed, there are instructions on our website.
In the Portal, click on your charity’s name, then go to ‘Manage reporting’ and click ‘Start 2023 AIS’.
If you need any help completing your Annual Information Statement, please visit our 2023 Annual Information Statement Hub to find a checklist of all the information you need to have on hand, as well as a detailed guide that explains how to answer each question.
Q. I’ve read that charities will have to report on their related party transactions in their next Annual Information Statement. How do I know what our charity needs to report on?
A. Our guidance on related party transactions provides a great rundown on the different obligations registered charities have when it comes to reporting on their related party transactions.
The definition of a related party, as well as the transactions charities need to report on, will depend on whether they are classed as small, medium or large in the period covered by the 2023 Annual Information Statement.
Small charities need to provide details of what are known as ‘reportable related party transactions’. In their 2023 Annual Information Statements, these charities will be asked if they have any reportable related party transactions in the 2023 reporting period.
If they do, they will be presented with a series of different transaction types they can select from.
For medium and large charities, the definitions of a related party and a related party transaction differ from those which apply to small charities.
When it comes to reporting, medium and large charities must disclose ‘material related party transactions’.
Again, if these charities do have these types of transactions, they will be presented with a series of different transaction types in their 2023 Annual Information Statements they can select from.
The ACNC has detailed guidance on related party transactions and how charities should report them.
We register hundreds of new charities every month. Take a look at the list of newly registered charities.
Welcome to the charities registered with the ACNC in December 2023.
To remain eligible for registration, charities must meet ongoing obligations.
Each time a Responsible Person (a committee or board member or trustee) commences or resigns from their position, you must notify us.
Learn more about notifying the ACNC.
Holding an annual general meeting is a good way to be accountable to your members. Read more about AGMs and view our free resources.
The ACNC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and elders past and present.
