Charity Regulator Warns 6000 ‘Double Defaulters’ | Pro Bono Australia

Charity Regulator Warns 6000 ‘Double Defaulters’ | Pro Bono Australia: "The national charity regulator has warned 6,000 ‘double defaulter’ charities that they are at risk of losing registration and access to Commonwealth charity tax concessions for failing to meet their reporting obligations for two consecutive years.

The announcement follows the revocation of over 1300 double defaulter charities at the end of March.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) said that most of these charities had in fact ceased operation, but had not notified either the ACNC or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) of this change."



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Australian government pulls back from plans to abolish charity regulator

Australian government pulls back from plans to abolish charity regulator: "Australia’s coalition government has withdrawn from plans to abolish the country’s newly-formed charity watchdog, following calls by sector members for it to remain.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) was launched in December 2012 to register and regulate charities, but was due to be scrapped as part of a “red tape repeal day”. "



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‘Charity Navigator’ Model Tipped to Replace ACNC | Pro Bono Australia

‘Charity Navigator’ Model Tipped to Replace ACNC | Pro Bono Australia: A charity evaluator model based on the US-based Charity Navigator, could replace Australia’s charity regulator, Federal Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews revealed in speech to Not for Profit Directors.

Application Form Updated as Charities Act Takes Effect | Pro Bono Australia

Application Form Updated as Charities Act Takes Effect | Pro Bono Australia: he Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission will tomorrow release an updated online application form for registering as a charity to reflect new charity legislation.

Parliament passed the Charities Act in June 2013 and it came into effect on January 1.

It sets out the meaning of “charity” for all Commonwealth purposes and gives it a statutory definition – which means one that is recognised by law

With great wealth comes great responsibility - Business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

With great wealth comes great responsibility - Business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): This week, mining magnate, Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest made headlines by donating $65 million to Western Australian universities, the largest act of philanthropy in Australia's history. He then followed it up in London where his Walk Free foundation was behind the launch of the first Global Slavery Index, which measures and ranks slavery in 162 countries, including Australia. His aim: to use his economic power not just to enrich his family economically, but give back at the same time.

Top 50 Gifts Voting Takes Off | Pro Bono Australia

Top 50 Gifts Voting Takes Off | Pro Bono Australia: he People’s Choice voting for Australia’s top philanthropic gifts has taken off with more than 400 people adding their vote in just four days.

The Top 50 Philanthropic Gifts of All Time were announced in Melbourne on Monday revealing a rich history of ‘giving’ in Australia and the public has been invited to vote online to decide Australia’s Top 10 Gifts.

The Pro Bono Australia website showcasing the gifts has had almost 6000 visitors.

WJTV News Channel 12 - Mining magnate gives $62M to Aussie universities

WJTV News Channel 12 - Mining magnate gives $62M to Aussie universities: PERTH, Australia (AP) - Mining magnate Andrew Forrest pledged on Tuesday to give 65 million Australian dollars ($62 million) to university education in his home state in one of Australia's largest philanthropic donations.

The chairman of iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group said AU$50 million will be used to establish the Forrest Foundation to fund scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships at all five universities in Western Australia state.

Trust Company Takeover Means Less for NFPs | Pro Bono Australia

Trust Company Takeover Means Less for NFPs | Pro Bono Australia: he outcome of this corporate takeover is of vital importance to the sector as trustee companies are the largest administrators of philanthropic monies in Australia. These monies were left by generous (dead) individuals and families on the understanding that the trust/foundation would be maintained in perpetuity for the benefit of the most disadvantaged in the community. The founders are no longer there to advocate and most have no independent (i.e. Non-trustee Company) trustees to challenge any decisions.

Today, trustee companies manage “over 2,000(sic)” charitable trusts and foundations with assets of approximately $3.2 billion.

Extra Life and Sony partner for 25-hour charity drive | Joystiq

Extra Life and Sony partner for 25-hour charity drive | Joystiq: Due to laws in the UK and Australia restricting the ability of non-profit organizations to raise funds in either country, international participants will need to play their marathons for the benefit of the international efforts of three hospitals: Boston Children's, SickKids in Toronto, or Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Aussie Walks Across America for Charity - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Aussie Walks Across America for Charity - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |: – A 24-year-old Australian man is walking from San Francisco to Delaware Bay, New Jersey to raise money for charity.

Benjamin Lee has traveled to 36 different countries and after graduating college last year, he decided he wanted to have one last hurrah before settling into his career.

Australia on top of World Giving Index | Money | Banking and Money Investment News | | Herald Sun

Australia on top of World Giving Index | Money | Banking and Money Investment News | | Herald Sun: DONATIONS to charities have risen 11 per cent since January 2010, despite the cost of living being the greatest cause of consumer anxiety.

Australia was ranked at the top of the 2012 World Giving Index ahead of Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

Robert De Iure, senior economist with the National Australia Bank, is not surprised.

Push for opt out in workplace giving | Pro Bono Australia

Push for opt out in workplace giving | Pro Bono Australia: THE wide-scale adoption of “opt-out” workplace giving programs could push the growth of workplace giving in Australia, says Non Executive Director and former CEO of The Australian Charities Fund Ted Kerr.

Kerr said an opt-out process involved donations being deducted out of an employee’s pay, unless they elected for it not to happen.

“Currently, an employer can offer opt out only to new employees,” he said.

Charity register aims to boost transparency | ACNC | Susan Pascoe

Charity register aims to boost transparency | ACNC | Susan Pascoe: An online charity register allowing Australians to compare and contrast the ways their donations are spent will improve transparency and may help mend a national reluctance to give to lesser-known charities, according to the sector's new regulator.

NFPs Urge MPs to Pass Charity Bill | Pro Bono Australia

NFPs Urge MPs to Pass Charity Bill | Pro Bono Australia: Eleven peak community and philanthropic groups, including Community Council for Australia, Philanthropy Australia and Changemakers Australia have called for an all-party approach to deliver “essential reforms” they claim are vital for the charitable sector.

The Charity Bill is expected to update the current definition of charity to reflect current day society and bring it into line with legislation in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

It is also expected to clearly articulate the role of Not for Profits and charities in Australia.

Call to Young Aussie Philanthropists | Pro Bono Australia

Call to Young Aussie Philanthropists | Pro Bono Australia: The call comes from the Founder and CEO of San Francisco-based Tipping Point Community, Daniel Lurie who will this week address a group of emerging Australian philanthropists at Philanthropy Australia’s inaugural New Generation of Giving event.

JustGiving goes global

JustGiving goes global: Charities from these regions can now register on the site in preparation for an Asia-Pacific launch in September. Donors can also now give in eight different currencies: British pounds, US dollars, Euros, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, Canadian dollars, UAE dirham and Australian dollars.

JustGiving goes global

JustGiving goes global: Fundraising | Kirsty Weakley | 3 Jun 2013

JustGiving is to open its platform to charities from Ireland, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.

Charities from these regions can now register on the site in preparation for an Asia-Pacific launch in September. Donors can also now give in eight different currencies: British pounds, US dollars, Euros, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, Canadian dollars, UAE dirham and Australian dollars.

Attendances jump in Australian Ballet's anniversary year

Attendances jump in Australian Ballet's anniversary year: Buoyed by its 50th anniversary year in 2012, the Australian Ballet has reported a 14 per cent rise in box office takings, and a higher than expected surplus.

The anniversary program included a costly tour to New York, but the Ballet says donors dug deep last year and philanthropy rose to $7.3 million from $5.7 million in 2011.

Fundraising Leadership - Made Not Born | Pro Bono Australia

Fundraising Leadership - Made Not Born | Pro Bono Australia: The US, the world’s biggest fundraising market, faces a crisis of confidence. According to recent research, half of chief fundraisers plan to leave their jobs within two years; 40 per cent are considering leaving fundraising all together.

Australian charities should take note. Fundraisers in the country face many of the same challenges causing their US colleagues to despair: economic uncertainty, increasing competitiveness and internal upheaval, among them. All are putting strains on departments that remain crucial to charities’ fortunes. And, while leadership is vital at any time, it’s particularly important at present.

Oldest charity says more needs to be done | The Australian

Oldest charity says more needs to be done | The Australian: The Australian



From: AAP
May 08, 2013 11:55AM

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A TIGHTENING economy should not curb investment in community services, the Benevolent Society has urged on its 200th birthday.

The independent charity, which turned 200 on Wednesday, says political support of social and welfare services should not be contingent on economic prosperity.