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The Charitable Purpose
ACNC monthly e-newsletter
September 2024
Commissioner's Column
The ACNC team constantly reflects on how we can make a difference. Our core business—registering charities, ensuring they report key information and comply with good governance standards—helps stop the misuse of donated dollars and government funding. We support transparency and good governance, ensuring services reach those in need efficiently and that donors support charities. An accurate Register is at the core of our work.
Charity news and updates
Guidance and resources for charities
Cyber security podcast
Jacqui Barr from the Australian Cyber Security Centre joins us on the ACNC Charity Chat podcast, outlining simple measures your charity can take to avoid becoming a target. ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM also shares her thoughts on why charities need to put cyber security at the top of their agenda.
Recently launched: Volunteering Gateway
Volunteering Australia has recently launched the 'Volunteering Gateway' - a centralised and curated platform designed to support people who manage volunteers by providing access to a comprehensive range of resources, relevant technology solutions, and nationwide training opportunities
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 steps can my charity take to provide confidence to the public and potential donors that we are a legitimate charity.
A. We urge the public to check the Charity Register before donating to ensure their money goes to legitimate causes – and discourage them from disclosing personal information or banking details to unknown callers.
You can demonstrate your charity is legitimate by ensuring its governing document, financial statements and contact details are accurate and up to date on the Charity Register, allowing potential donors to make informed decisions with confidence.
Learn more about updating contact information.
Q. Our charity is small and doesn’t have a lot of resources or money to spend on fancy computer software. What can we do to protect our charity from cybercrime?
A. There are some simple things your charity can do to protect itself, and it doesn’t have to cost a cent. These include changing passwords regularly and limiting access to computer systems to only those who need it.
Conducting an information audit and recording it in an information asset register can be a useful way to identify your sensitive assets and understand where they are stored and who has access to them. This can the help you catalogue the potential risks and develop some mitigation strategies.
Our Governance Toolkit: Cyber Security has a range of advice and practical strategies about how to manage the risk.
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.
