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The Charitable Purpose
ACNC monthly e-newsletter
May 2025
Commissioner's Column
The nation has just participated in a federal election. As the regulator of almost 63,000 registered charities, the ACNC plays a part in this democratic process. A key activity for us in the lead up to this election was our communications campaign to remind charities about the rules around advocacy. Perhaps you noticed some of our tips on social media!
Charity news and updates
Guidance and resources for charities
Indigenous Governance Toolkit
The Australian Indigenous Governance Institute has published a tailored online resource to help Indigenous charities with developing, maintaining and strengthening their governance.
Online learning content
Explore key governance topics with our Governing Charities online learning content. Read summaries, watch educational videos and test your knowledge with interactive quizzes.
2024 Annual Information Statement
Does your charity operate on a calendar year?
Charities that operate on a calendar year (1 Jan to 31 Dec) must submit their 2024 Annual Information Statement before 30 June 2025.
Remember that there are questions requiring you to report your charity's dealings with related parties.
Learn more about the questions and what you need to know in our 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. My charity was sent a reminder saying it’s almost time to submit our Annual Information Statement – what do we do now?
A. Charities that operate on a calendar year basis (1 January to 31 December) need to submit their 2024 Annual Information Statement (AIS) by 30 June 2025.
Submit it 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 2024 AIS’.
If you need any help completing your AIS, please visit our 2024 Annual Information Statement Hub. It has a checklist of all the information you need to have on hand, and a detailed guide that explains how to answer each question.
Q. I want to strengthen the security of our digital systems. What are some of the steps my charity can take to prevent a cyber attack?
A. There are many practical things your charity can do to reduce risks and prevent incidents. They include:
- Update software, antivirus and operating systems regularly
- Limit access to important information
- Use multi-factor authentication for access to your charity’s systems
- Protect networks by using strong firewalls
- Only allow approved applications on your charity’s computer and phones, and block access to inappropriate websites and downloads
- Use strong and unique passwords and change them regularly
- Backup your data
For more information on how to manage the risk of cyber threats, read our guidance. You can also download the Australian Signals Directorate’s cyber security checklist for charities and not-for-profits.
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.
