There are three types of fire and emergency services entities that can be endorsed by us as DGRs:
- a government entity that has responsibility for the coordination of volunteer fire brigades or State Emergency Services (such as the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service)
- a public fund established and maintained by such a government entity
- a public fund established and maintained by a non-profit entity (such as a volunteer fire brigade) or other government entity (that is, a government entity not responsible for the coordination of volunteer fire brigades or State Emergency Services).
In some states, a volunteer fire brigade may participate in fundraising by entering into an agreement with administrators of the second type of fund. Under such an arrangement, donations may be received by a central state fund on behalf of a volunteer brigade. This arrangement minimises the administrative burden on the brigade's volunteers while making sure the public can continue to support the brigade through tax deductible donations.
DGR status under the fire and emergency services category can apply to 'hybrid' volunteer fire brigades. These are organisations that undertake firefighting as well as other volunteer-based emergency services activities that are regulated by a state or territory law. Such hybrid brigades can use all funds donated to them to support all their volunteer-based emergency activities, not just their fire-fighting activities.
If your organisation is applying for endorsement as one of the first two types of fund, contact us on 1300 130 248 before you apply. We will help you complete your application for DGR status for your organisation or a public fund it maintains.