Charities |
Any organisation that wishes to publicly fundraise in Queensland for charity must be one of the following:
- registered as a charity or be exempt from the requirement to be registered
- registered as a sanctioned community purpose organisation
- authorised by a registered charity or sanctioned organisation to fundraise on its behalf.
Any organisation that fundraises unregistered or unauthorised is committing an offence under the Collections Act 1966 and may be penalised.
Organisations need to register if they wish to raise funds for:
- charitable purposes, including supplying help, aid, relief, support, care, housing or education to any person in distress
- community purposes, including promoting the public´s general welfare.
Proposed reform in the Charity and Not-for-Profit Sector
In the 2011-12 Commonwealth Government Budget, a range of measures reforming the Charity and Not-for-Profit (NFP) sectors were announced, including the creation of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The ACNC commenced operation on 3 December 2012.
The ACNC:
- registers charities for Commonwealth concessions such as income tax exemption, GST concessions and deductible gift recipient status
- helps charities to understand and meet their obligations by giving them information, guidance, advice and other support
- maintains a free searchable Register, of all charities in Australia
- work with Commonwealth, state and territory governments and agencies to develop a 'report-once, use-often' reporting framework for charities.
Charities and not-for-profit organisations operating in Queensland will still need to meet the requirements under state legislation, including registering with the Office of Fair Trading to carry out charitable fundraising activities.
Further information on the ACNC can be found on their website.
Consultation
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has released a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) on governance and reporting requirements for charities following the creation of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
Stakeholders are encouraged to consider the RIA and respond to the consultation questions. Submissions are to be made to The Treasury, Commonwealth Government, by 21 February 2013.
The RIA and more information about the consultation can be found on the COAG website.
Register a charitable association
Organisations that wish to publicly fundraise in Queensland must register as a charitable association.
Fundraise without forming a charity
We may give an organisation a sanction to conduct a short-term fundraising activity without registering.
Charities outside Queensland
Requirements for interstate and overseas charities who wish to operate in Queensland.
Advertise for objections
Process for placing an advertisement asking for objections to your organisation´s registration as a charity.
Objections and complaints
When an organisation applies to register as a charity, any person can object on certain grounds.
Requirements and reporting
Requirements after registration, including audits and accounting for collection boxes.
Commercial arrangements with businesses
Requirements when working with promoters.
Make changes
Making changes to the constitution, management or the name of a registered charity or sanctioned community purpose organisation.
Wind up a charity
Process for winding up a charity.
Research a charity
Identify genuine collectors or view charity records.
Charity and fundraising forms
Application forms for charities and short-term fundraising appeals.
Check a charity or association
Search the Queensland Charities and Associations Online Register.
Last reviewed 12/02/2013 |
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