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The Charitable Purpose
ACNC monthly e-newsletter
December 2024
Commissioner's Column
As the year draws to an end, it’s fitting to reflect on the achievements of the charity sector, the challenges it faces, and to remember the role we all play in supporting the sector’s valuable work. Earlier this year, the 10th edition of the Australian Charities Report revealed that while charity revenues have risen, expenses have surged at an even faster rate – in fact, about double. This has placed a strain on resources across the sector and underscores the need for continued support to ensure charities can sustain their essential services.
Charity news and updates
Guidance and resources for charities
Webinar: Charity Fraud Awareness Week
As part of Charity Fraud Awareness Week, Ian Parry from our Compliance team attended an international webinar where he explained how the ACNC's External Conduct Standards can help charities protect themselves from fraud. A recording of the webinar is now live.
Managing charity money: guidance for board members
Responsible financial management is vital to good charity governance. Our guidance can help your charity understand its obligations to the ACNC and covers legal duties, fraud prevention, fundraising obligations and compliance with the governance standards.
2024 Annual Information Statement
Charities that operate on a standard financial year (1 July to 30 June) must submit their 2024 Annual Information Statement prior to 31 January 2025.
Remember that there are questions requiring you to report your charity's dealings with related parties. You can learn more about the questions, and what you need to know before completing your charity's AIS on the AIS Hub.
Get in early, beat the rush and submit via the Portal now
Answering your questions
A few of the most common questions we have been hearing from charities recently...
Q. How can charities communicate their impact to build donor trust?
Charities can build donor trust by being transparent about how they use donations and the real-world impact of these funds. Regularly sharing this information shows donors that their contributions are making a difference, which can lead to continued and increased support. The ACNC’s Managing charity money guide offers advice on financial transparency.
Q. What does charity registration with the ACNC mean for donors?
When a charity registers with the ACNC, it confirms the organisation is legitimate, operates legally and manages funds responsibly. Donors can verify a charity’s status on the ACNC Charity Register, and this helps instil confidence that their donations will be used appropriately.
Q. What steps can charities take to prevent fraud and misuse of funds?
Charities should develop and enforce a fraud prevention policy to raise awareness and guide staff and volunteers in preventing, detecting and responding to fraud. The ACNC’s Protect your charity from fraud guide provides practical steps for preventing fraud. Additionally, the Governing Charities online learning content supports leadership in implementing effective governance practices. Charities operating overseas must comply with External Conduct Standard 3, which requires taking reasonable steps to minimise risks of corruption, fraud, bribery or other financial misconduct.
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.
