Fundraising in the ACT

Do I need an authority to fundraise?
How do I apply for an authority to fundraise?
Can I find out if I am already have an authority to fundraise in the ACT?
How can I collect donations through Our Community's Australian Giving Centre?

Do I need an authority to fundraise?

The Charitable Collections Act 2003 covers all charitable collections in the ACT except those that are specifically exempt. It is good practice to first assume that you and your organisation’s activities are covered and then check to see whether your activity falls into any of the exempt categories below:

organisations that raise less than $15,000 a year
churches – raising funds on the premises
schools – voluntary contributions or other activities that raise funds from students,
parents, friends, P&C and Alumni for educational activities and the school membership fees for clubs and associations
workmates, clubs or meetings raising funds from the people on the premises for the benefit of each other (raffles, say, or passing the hat for a card and present.)

Being exempt because of a specific activity may not exempt you forever. For example, what if you make more than $15,000 from fundraising next year? Or you may have a variety of fund raising activities this year and only some of them are exempt. Or you’re collecting from workmates but you’re going to give the money to a charity outside your workplace.

Other exemptions include:

corporate sponsorship
government grants
lotteries
overseas donations to AusAid accredited agencies
wills.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are in any doubt about whether you need a licence or not make sure you contact the Hotline on 13 22 81.

How do I apply for an authority to fundraise in the ACT?

You can apply for a fundraising licence under the Charitable Collections Act 2003 online at http://www.ors.act.gov.au/BIL/WebPages/CharCollects/charitable_forms.html

Full details regarding the operation of the Act can be found at www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2003-17/default.asp

Contact information:

Charitable Collections Licence Applications
Department of Justice and Community Safety, Office of Regulatory Services
25 Canberra Ave
Fyshwick, ACT 2609

For further information contact the Department on (02) 6207 0562, or visit the website here

Website: www.ors.act.gov.au/licensing/CharCollects/charitablecollections.html

Can I find out if I am already have an authority to fundraise?

The Register of approved Charitable Collection Licences in the ACT can be viewed at http://www.ors.act.gov.au/BIL/WebPages/Corporate/Trader_Info.html

How can I collect donations through Our Community's Australian Giving Centre?

You can expand your fundraising efforts by using Our Community's online donations service which will allow you to take credit card donations 7 days a week, 24 hours per day. Along with collecting donations via the internet, you will also be able to promote donating by phone, fax, post and leaving a bequest to your organisation.

This donations facility is a commission free service offered by Our Community - we take NO commission or fees for this service. The only online donations fees that will be incurred by you are the credit card fees and a bank transaction fee.

You also own all your data - Our Community does not use any of the donor details in any way and our systems have secure encryption for donor protection.

For further information, visit the Australian Giving Centre.

And for direct Internet links to more fundraising forms your group may need, follow this link to Our Community's Best of Community page.