How do I set up a charity giving fund?

Charities & Not For Profits

A charity giving fund, also known as an ancillary fund, is a vehicle for public and private philanthropy. It is a type of charitable trust designed to provide an investment structure for philanthropic giving purposes. Simple and quick to set up, it offers tax deductions to donors and tax exemptions for income earned by the fund. In this article we will answer questions surrounding ancillary funds including what it is and the main reasons for establishing an ancillary fund.

COVID-19: Update for Charities and Not-for-profits

Charities & Not For Profits

COVID-19

Both the Federal and Victorian governments, as well as the national charity regulator, the ACNC, have announced a number of support measures aimed at helping charities and NFPs stay afloat and ease compliance regulation throughout COVID-19, so they can get on with the job of supporting people at need in our community.

External Conduct Standards

Charities & Not For Profits

The External Conduct Standards are a set of four standards that govern a registered charity’s operations outside Australia. The External Conduct Standards came into effect in August 2019. These standards aim to increase a charity’s transparency and governance, as well as ensuring any money or other resources a charity sends overseas reach their intended destinations, and that they are only used for purposes and activities consistent with the charity’s purposes.

Why does a not for profit or charity need a privacy policy?

Charities & Not For Profits

In a rapidly developing digital world where cyberattacks are commonplace, data protection and privacy policies are becoming increasingly important. Many organisations holding highly sensitive information, such as Charities and Not for Profits ('NFPs'), must now consider whether they require a privacy policy and, if so, what should be included in such policy.

Checklist for starting a Charity or Not-For-Profit Organisation

Charities & Not For Profits

Setting up a not for profit organisation can be a complex and rather daunting process. We have compiled a checklist of key matters that you will need to consider when setting up a not for profit organisation.

Religious freedom and anti-discrimination law: Part 3: Practical tips for avoiding discrimination claims

Charities & Not For Profits

A free and multicultural society needs to protect both religious freedoms and people from unwarranted discrimination. The interplay between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws is becoming increasingly relevant, and at points they seem to be headed for conflict. In this article, we provide some practical tips for avoiding discrimination claims.

Religious freedom and anti-discrimination law: Part 2: Religious exemptions: the state of play

Charities & Not For Profits

A free and multicultural society needs to protect both religious freedoms and people from unwarranted discrimination. The interplay between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws is becoming increasingly relevant, and at points they seem to be headed for conflict. In this article, we provide a summary of the state of play in Victoria, with specific regard to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

Religious freedom and anti-discrimination law: Part 1: Anti-discrimination law and religious organisations

Charities & Not For Profits

A free and multicultural society needs to protect both religious freedoms and people from unwarranted discrimination. The interplay between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws is becoming increasingly relevant, and at points they seem to be headed for conflict. In this article, we examine the current anti-discrimination law in Victoria, and how it applies to religious organisations and organisations with religious affiliation.

Merging two 'not for profit' enterprises

Charities & Not For Profits

Looking for legal advice on merging two 'not for profit' enterprises? Let us guide you with our expert advice. Mergers or amalgamations of two or more 'not for profit' enterprises can be stressful and can quickly involve a complex set of transactions. It is always advised that should you be in this position, you immediately consult a legal practitioner for advice about how to proceed.

What makes a non profit organisation tax exempt?

Charities & Not For Profits

Is your Not for Profit organisation exempt from paying income tax? Many Not for Profit organisations are not required to pay income tax, but the process of applying for an exemption differs for different types of Not for Profit organisations. We outline the key factors that enable a non profit organisation to be classified as tax exempt. Read here for more information.

Avoiding teacher negligence or malpractice claims

Charities & Not For Profits

Schools should be aware of the kinds of teacher conduct which may be considered to be bullying or harassment, the circumstances in which schools may be held liable and ways to manage the legal risks involved.

Committee Members: Do you know your duties?

Charities & Not For Profits

If you are on the committee of an Incorporated Association, you should familiarise yourself with the duties you have to your organisation and its stakeholders. For example, if you thought that only company directors have to worry about insolvent trading, you would be wrong. Many of the duties that apply to company directors also apply to the committee members of Incorporated Associations.