The AICD acknowledges the Morrison Government’s moves to assist the parts of the sector including extending the JobKeeper wage subsidy to charities and targeted funding for mental health services, domestic violence support and Medicare assistance.
However, the long-term viability of a substantial number of NFPs and charities across Australia will remain under threat without a stimulus package for the whole sector.
AICD CEO and Managing Director, Angus Armour, said, “It will be difficult – if not impossible – for many NFPs to financially withstand the impact of COVID-19 without substantial additional support. Increased demand, decreased donations, loss of access to volunteers, inability to hold fundraising events and in some cases significant loss of operating revenues are examples of the difficulties this sector is facing.”
“It is vital for the Australian economy, and society, to maintain the viability of the NFP sector during these unprecedented times,” Armour said.
The AICD is recommending that:
Additional measures that the AICD is urging the federal government to consider include:
Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.