Changes to the regulatory framework for charitable investment fundraisers

At the beginning of 2016, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) reportedly held information on 54,000 charities—a $55 billion sector receiving $6.8 billion in donations and bequests annually, with 11 new charities being registered every day. Many charities rely on donations, but increasingly fundraising through the issue of debentures or interests in managed investment-type schemes are being used to fund more expensive projects, such as building works and property repairs. If you are raising funds for a charity, whether it is religious, educational, community-based or any other form of charitable purpose, then it is important that you know the rules and restrictions that apply to investment fundraising activities.