Raising Funds Across Australia

FUNDRAISING IN AUSTRALIA is an important and expanding activity. People from all age groups involve themselves in the gathering or solicitation of funds. There are now a myriad of sources, and opportunities expand almost daily. Knowing what to do, and knowing in turn how to be successful, are the critically important elements. Today's complex world involves monetary funds, donations, trusts, grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, project involvement, missions, tithing, and even facility arrangements for businesses, projects, infrastructure work, charities, research organisations, churches, non-government organisations, and all forms of not for profit organisations which carry out amazing work throughout the world. Volunteers play a critically important role in this changing and challenging world. They are indeed the cornerstone of making things happen, and responding to opportunities. A caution here is to remember that because of growth and other factors, governments at all levels, are also now taking an increasing interest in matters of compliance, reputation, transparency, tax, and legal frameworks. A passion for a cause or concept must never over-ride the requirements of regulators. Bodies such as the ATO, Fair Trading, and Foreign Affairs, or Charities and Not for profit government commissions, have rigorous reporting requirements, and significant penalties if adherence to the rules are not followed. In any fund raising activity it makes sense to adopt a successful commercial approach, with adequate planning, organisation, control, direction, and staffing. The safest route is to ensure that funds raised end up where they are intended with proper audit trails, and that the goals of the fundraising are achieved, and can be tracked. Many groups work extremely hard to gain funds for charitable purposes. It can be carried out for social, religious, political, humanitarian and academic reasons. It can cover specific areas such as scientific and medical research, humanitarian causes both in Australia and overseas, environmental campaigns, disaster relief, and even athletic achievements or animal rights campaigns. Raising funds for a cause that one believes in is a noble act. It is the contribution to these small acts that end up changing the world. No one alone however can gain enormous funds, all by themselves. It is important to note that everyone plays an important part when it comes to such activities.