As the end of the financial year approaches, Australia’s national charity regulator is urging members of the public to donate wisely.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Commissioner, Susan Pascoe, called on people to be vigilant and donate with care during what is traditionally a busy time for charitable giving.
“Time and time again, Australians have shown themselves to be among the world’s most generous donors to charity,” Pascoe said.
“According to the Australian Charities Report 2015, Australians donated $11.2 billion to charity – a 2.4 per cent increase compared to the year prior.
“We know that people are often especially keen to donate to charity in the lead-up to the end of the financial year. As they do so, we encourage them to give wisely.”
The ACNC’s Registered Charity Tick is another way for members of the public to easily determine if a charity is registered with the ACNC.
“Since its launch in December 2016, more than 8,000 charities have downloaded and begun to display the Registered Charity Tick,” Pascoe said.
“The charity tick is designed to reassure the public, at a glance, that a charity is registered, accountable and committed to transparency.
“We encourage all charities to download the tick and begin displaying it on their promotional materials and website.”
In addition to the tools available through the ACNC, Pascoe emphasised a few other simple precautions that people can take when considering making charitable donations.
“If you are approached by someone claiming to be collecting donations on behalf of a legitimate cause or charity, there are some easy ways to make sure that your donation goes where you intend,” Pascoe said.
“Simple things such as asking for identification, or asking for a receipt, can help to ensure that you are confident in your donation.”