Do I need an authority to fundraise?

Yes, if you are looking to fundraise then you will be required to hold an authority to fundraise.

This authority may be granted for an indefinite period for an indefinite number of appeals.

However, exemptions do apply in the following cases:

• If your organisation is established under an Act and subject to the control and direction of a Minister, fundraising appeals may be conducted without the need for an authority to Fundraise.
• A religious body or organisation in respect of which a proclamation is in force under section 26 of the Marriage Act 1961 (Commonwealth) or a religious body. This also includes a body or organisation affiliated with and approved by the religious body or organisation referred above.

How do I apply for an authority to fundraise?

An application form can be obtained by contacting the Office of Charities, Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing or by downloading an online application form

There is no fee associated with making the application or being granted an authority to fundraise.

In practice authorities will be issued for a specific period such as five years. Conditions will be attached to authorities. There is no fee associated with making the application or being granted an authority to fundraise.

For further information contact:
Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing
Department of Gaming and Racing
Level 7, Corner Hay & Castlereagh Streets, Sydney
GPO Box 7060 Sydney 2001
Telephone: (02) 9995 0666
Facsimile: (02) 9995 0611
Email:charity.inquiries@olgr.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au

Other relevant fundraising information

The relevant legislation for NSW is the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. For an outline of the main features of the Act, click on charities at http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au

The soliciting or receiving of any money, property or other benefit from the public constitutes a fundraising appeal if a representation is made (this may be implied) that the appeal is for a charitable purpose or for the support of an organisation having a charitable object.

An appeal may take a variety of forms-donations, sponsorship, telethons, the conduct of lotteries and competitions, the supply of food, entertainment or other goods or services, or in connection with any other commercial undertaking. A membership drive undertaken by an organisation is a fundraising appeal if one of the objects of the organisation is a charitable object.

Each of the following does not constitute a fundraising appeal for the purposes of the Act:

• a request for renewal of fees for membership of an organisation
• an appeal by the organisation to its membership
• a request that property be devised or bequeathed
• workplace appeals (an appeal conducted among persons sharing a common employer or place of work to directly assist another employee or the employee's immediate family)
• an application for a grant, sponsorship, etc. from a Commonwealth, State or local government authority
• a request for, or the receipt of, money from a person if the money is wholly payable by the person as the genuine fee or charge for the provision of-
  • educational facilities or services
  • child-minding services
  • goods and services through supported employment services for people with disabilities
  • nursing and medical services
  • other care or welfare services.

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

Once you have obtained your fundraising license, 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.