As a not-for-profit (NFP), it’s important to be transparent about your purposes and deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. This provides confidence and trust for donors about the causes they are donating to and whether their gifts are tax-deductible. It’s especially important during the holiday season, when communities can be more motivated to support those in need.
Only organisations that are DGRs can receive tax-deductible donations. Encourage donors to check your DGR status using the ABR LookupExternal Link tool before donating. It’s a simple step that builds trust.
Natural disaster appeals
Before asking for donations, if you are holding collections for bushfire, flood, and storm appeals, your organisation should:
- check if it is DGR endorsed on the Australian Business RegisterExternal Link (ABR)
- advise its DGR endorsement status in all fundraising materials, letting donors know that gifts of $2 or more to DGR endorsed organisations are tax-deductible
- refer your donors to donating to a disaster relief appeal for information
- state in your receipts the organisation’s name, ABN, and that the donation is a gift. If not required to issue a receipt, notify your donors they can use other records for their tax return such as bank statements.
If your NFP isn't DGR endorsed, you can still collect for an established DGR but your donors will not be able to claim a tax deduction.
If your organisation's ABN registration or officeholder information has changed, be sure to update details on the ABR.
Further information
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