Fundraising across multiple states can be time-consuming for not-for-profits.
Different rules, separate registrations, and varying reporting requirements often create unnecessary complexity.
Proposed changes to ACNC fundraising rules aim to reduce this burden and create a more consistent national approach.
What are the proposed ACNC fundraising changes?
The Australian Government has explored a cross-border recognition model for charitable fundraising. The goal is to simplify how registered charities operate across state and territory borders.
While details may continue to evolve, the direction is clear: reduce duplication and improve consistency for ACNC-registered organisations.
Why this matters for not-for-profits
For many organisations, fundraising does not stop at state borders.
Online campaigns, national appeals, and multi-location services require a more unified system.
Simplifying fundraising rules can:
- reduce administrative workload
- lower compliance complexity
- support national fundraising efforts
- allow teams to focus on service delivery
This aligns with a broader shift towards clearer, more consistent ACNC compliance processes.
Key features of the proposed model
Deemed fundraising authority
ACNC-registered charities may be recognised across participating jurisdictions without needing separate applications in each state.
This would make it easier to run fundraising activities nationally, particularly online.
Notification requirements
Organisations may still need to notify local regulators before fundraising in a specific state or territory.
An online notification process is expected to support this step.
Audit and reporting alignment
Some states already align their reporting requirements with the ACNC.
Under the proposed model, regulators may rely more on ACNC reporting rather than requiring separate submissions.
Information sharing between regulators
Participating jurisdictions may share data to maintain a consistent register of authorised charities.
This helps reduce duplication while maintaining oversight.
What this means in practice
If implemented broadly, these changes could simplify how not-for-profits manage fundraising compliance.
However, organisations will still need to:
- maintain accurate financial records
- meet ACNC reporting obligations
- understand any remaining local requirements
Clear systems and processes remain essential.
Common considerations for NFPs
Even with reduced red tape, there are practical areas to manage:
- tracking fundraising income across programs
- ensuring correct allocation of funds
- maintaining audit-ready records
- aligning reporting with funding requirements
This is where structured financial systems and regular review processes become important.
What good looks like
Organisations that manage fundraising well typically have:
- clear tracking of income and expenditure
- consistent financial reporting
- alignment between fundraising and program delivery
- confidence in compliance requirements
These foundations remain important regardless of regulatory changes.
Start a conversation
Changes to ACNC fundraising rules are designed to simplify processes, but each organisation still needs clear systems behind the scenes.
Hopscotch Accounting supports not-for-profits with financial structures, reporting, and compliance processes that reduce complexity and improve clarity.
Start a conversation about strengthening your financial systems and preparing for regulatory changes.
FAQ’s
ACNC fundraising rules refer to the regulatory requirements charities must follow when raising funds, including registration, reporting, and compliance obligations.
It is a proposed model that allows ACNC-registered charities to fundraise across multiple states without needing separate approvals in each jurisdiction.
No. While the aim is to reduce duplication, charities will still need to meet ACNC obligations and any remaining local requirements.
