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The Charitable Purpose
ACNC monthly e-newsletter
August 2024
Commissioner's Column
Australians have a long and proud tradition of helping people in need, and that generosity often extends to those abroad. In the latest edition of our Australian Charities Report, we found that more than 6% of charities operated overseas. Data drawn from the 2022 Annual Information Statements that charities filed with us, shows that the five most common countries of overseas operation are the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, and India.
Charity news and updates
Guidance and resources for charities
Online learning content
Our Governing Charities online learning content provides multiple ways to learn and interact with key governance topics. You can read our detailed guidance, listen to a summary of the topic, watch educational videos, and test your knowledge with our interactive quizzes.
Governance Toolkit: Safeguarding
Our guidance defines safeguarding and vulnerable people and outlines your charity's legal obligations. It also covers some of the potential risks of working with vulnerable people, and outlines some of the steps your charity should take to manage them.
2023 Annual Information Statement
Is your charity's Annual Information Statement overdue?
The 2023 Annual Information Statement (AIS) due date for charities that operate on a calendar year (1 Jan to 31 Dec) was 30 June 2024.
If you haven't submitted yours yet, submit now via the Charity Portal to avoid penalties.
Answering your questions
A few of the most common questions we have been hearing from charities recently...
Q: What are the ACNC's External Conduct Standards?
A: The ACNC’s External Conduct Standards govern how registered charities manage their activities and resources outside Australia. They ensure appropriate behaviour, governance and oversight, covering activities and control of resources, annual reviews, anti-fraud measures, and protection of vulnerable individuals.
Q: What can my charity do to ensure it complies with the ACNC’s External Conduct Standards?
A: Charities can ensure compliance by taking these key steps:
- Familiarise yourself with all four standards, which cover activities and control of resources, annual reviews, anti-fraud measures, and protection of vulnerable individuals.
- Implement robust internal control procedures to ensure resources are used appropriately and in line with the charity’s purpose.
- Develop and maintain risk management processes to address potential fraud, corruption and terrorism financing risks.
- Conduct annual reviews of overseas activities and maintain detailed records to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Train staff and volunteers on the standards and establish clear policies and procedures to guide their actions.
Charities can self-assess their compliance with the External Conduct Standards by downloading and completing the ACNC’s self-evaluation tool. You’ll be asked to describe the practical steps you are taking to meet your obligations and prompted to develop an action plan to address any identified issues.
Resources for newly-registered charities
Charities must meet ongoing obligations to retain registration. You must notify us each time a Responsible Person (a committee or board member or trustee) commences or resigns from a position. Learn more.
Holding an annual general meeting is a good way to be accountable to your members. Read more about AGMs and view our free resources.
Stay up to date
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.
