Last updated: 22 Jul, 2019
Published on: 26 May, 2014
Fundraising - getting your approvals in place
Every shelter or rescue group loves to receive a financial hand to keep their head above water, be it donations or fundraising. Here are a few tips to guide you with the appropriate registrations, but bear in mind fundraising legislation changes from time to time, so it's best to check directly with the relevant government body.
Do I need a licence to fundraise?
Possibly! If you are requesting donations on your website, via Facebook or in any other medium you may need a fundraising licence. If you are asking for company sponsorship or you are selling goods in your organisation's name you may need a fundraising licence. It depends which state or territory your fundraising activities take place in, and how much money you receive in donations.
Fundraising licences are administrated by the state and territory government where you are planning to run your campaign. For example, if you are based in Victoria, but plan to run a campaign that will reach donors in New South Wales, you will need to apply for the relevant licences and permits in Victoria and NSW.
If you plan on running a national fundraising campaign, you will need to comply with each state and territory's fundraising laws.
Fundraising through “gaming” is considered separately and requires additional approvals.
What information does a charity have to disclose to donors or potential donors?
When soliciting donations, the charity must provide contact details such as the name of the charity, street address, website and telephone number. Donors should be informed of what the intended use of the donation is, the charity’s mission and an accurate description of the charity’s activities.
Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status
Does my charity have DGR status?
A simple way to check whether your charity has DGR (deductible gift recipient) status is to search the ABN Lookup service on the Australian Government website.
A gift is tax deductible only if it is given to a deductible gift recipient (DGR). For more information visit the Australian Tax Office website.
Do I receive tax benefits?
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) treats Not For Profits a little differently to other organisations. There are some tax concessions available for income you receive through fundraising and people who contribute gifts or other types of financial contribution can claim deductions.
See your Accountant or contact the Tax Office for further information on your personal circumstances.
State contact points for further information:
Victoria
Contact: Consumer Affairs Victoria
Phone: 1300 558 181
Fax: (03) 8684 6310
Mail: GPO Box 123, Melbourne VIC 3001
Website: www.consumer.vic.gov.au
New South Wales
Contact: New South Wales Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing
Phone: 02 9995 0300
Fax: 02 9995 0669
Mail: GPO Box 7060, Sydney NSW 2001
Website: www.olgr.nsw.gov.au
South Australia
Contact: Office of Consumer and Business Services
Phone: (08) 8226 8500
Fax: (08) 8226 8512
Mail: Lottery Licensing, GPO Box 672, Adelaide SA 5001
Website: https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/
Western Australia
Contact: Department of Commerce
Phone: (08) 9282 4373
Fax: (08) 9282 4337
Mail: Locked Bag 14, Cloisters Square WA 6850
Website: www.commerce.wa.gov.au
ACT
Contact: ACT Office of Regulatory Services
Phone: (02) 6207 0562
Fax: (02) 6207 0487
Mail: GPO Box 158, Canberra City ACT 2601
Website: https://www.act.gov.au/
Tasmania
Contact: Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading
Phone: 1300 65 44 99
Fax: (03) 6233 4882
Mail: GPO Box 1244, Hobart TAS 7001
Website: www.consumer.tas.gov.au
Queensland
Contact: Office of Fair Trading
Phone: 13 74 68
Fax: (07) 3405 0731
Mail: GPO Box 3111, Brisbane QLD 4001
Website: www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
See also:
Not-For-Profit Law - Fundraising
Fundraising Centre - Fundraising Legislation and Regulations