Philanthropy Australia launches its policy priorities to grow giving

With the Australian election campaign underway, Philanthropy Australia has launched its policy priorities to grow giving.

Through a process of engaging with members and partners, Philanthropy Australia has prioritised practical and focused policy actions that are essential to creating a better enabling environment for giving.

Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia, said that growing giving matters because it benefits the community, supporting the vital work of charities to make a difference to people’s lives and build a more inclusive Australia.

“When it comes to growing giving, the policy choices of governments make a difference, with the Productivity Commission’s Future Foundations for Giving report identifying a range of reforms to support giving in Australia.

“We are releasing these priorities to send a strong signal that in the coming term of the Parliament, we will be seeking real and tangible action to enhance the policies that encourage giving, from whoever forms the Australian Government,” Maree Sidey said.

The policy priorities include:

• Reforming the Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) system: The Productivity Commission’s Future Foundations for Giving report concluded that the deductible gift recipient (DGR) system, which determines which charities can receive tax deductible donations, is not fit for purpose and needs reform.
• Supporting First Nations-led philanthropy: A coalition of the First Nations leaders in philanthropy are advocating for the Australian Government to support First Nations philanthropy, with Philanthropy Australia supporting these efforts.
• Making superannuation bequests easier: Simplifying the process for Australians to bequest excess superannuation to a charity is a practical reform that would cut red tape and remove barriers to giving.
• Following through and keeping what works: Philanthropy Australia wants to see full operationalisation of the new DGR category for community foundations and supports retaining the existing minimum distribution arrangements for ancillary funds.

“The case for fixing the DGR system is clear, and we shouldn’t be waiting for yet another government commissioned report to recommend reform – there needs to be decisive action taken in response the Productivity Commission’s Future Foundations for Giving report.

“Supporting First Nations philanthropy, making superannuation bequests easier, full operationalisation of the new DGR category for community foundations, and retaining the existing minimum distribution arrangements for ancillary funds are all important and practical ways that government action can support growing giving in Australia,” Maree said.

Download and read the policy priorities