The 2013 Annual Information Statement (AIS) marks the first time all 58,000 Australian registered charities have been required to report to a sole national regulator.

The AIS asks registered charities 20 questions about what they did and who they helped in the community over the past 12 months. All information collected is uploaded to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Register.

Analysis of the first 3,000 submissions has uncovered some interesting insights, which may be indicative of the broader sector. Findings from current submissions have revealed the following:

• There were 74 per cent identified as small charities with an annual revenue of less than $250, 000
• Medium charities made up 15 per cent and generated between $250,000 to $999, 999
• Charities with an annual revenue of $1 million or more are considered large – these organisations made up 11 per cent of the submission.
• The top three beneficiaries listed were children and young people, the general Australian community and the elderly
• Charities working to help people internationally made up 16 per cent
• Just under half of the respondents said that they relied solely on volunteers
• The majority of submissions have been from New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

“Reducing red tape for charities is one of three Objects of the ACNC Act and is a primary focus for the ACNC going forward. We acknowledge the time charities are taking to report each year and we will continue to work across the Commonwealth and with states and territories to implement a report once, use often framework and to harmonise regulatory requirements,” says Susan Pascoe, Commissioner, ACNC.

Charities operating on a 1 July to 30 June financial year need to complete their AIS by 31 December 2013. For charities that use a calendar year for reporting purposes, submissions must be made by 30 June 2014.

Sarah Harding

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