We are in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence the Government agenda on philanthropy with the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy, which began after the Labor Government pledged to double giving by 2030 last April. 

If our major reforms are recommended this could increase giving across multiple avenues. 

The major reforms include: 

• donating to charity from superannuation, 

• a voluntary option to donate as part of the tax return process, 

• expanding the number of eligible charities to make tax-deductible donations to, 

• grow community foundations in Australia, and 

• trial a culture-changing movement with a National Giving Campaign. 

With all the talk about doubling giving right now, it might help to have a quick refresher on what structured giving options are available for your clients in this quick 3-minute explainer video.

Community foundations raise money, manage funds to build lasting assets, and make grants to support a community’s changing needs over the long term. They may all be called by a similar name, but they are unique to the place and the people that operate them.

Why your client might want to get involved

There are many ways your clients can get more involved in giving locally. Community foundations are not a new idea, but they have been growing faster in more recent years across Australia. There are about 40 in Australia and around 2,200 in the world. Being local, it’s also a great opportunity to meet the team at the community foundation. 

What you can do for your client 

 As a professional adviser, you could liaise with the community foundation to help set up the ‘sub-fund’ account on your client’s behalf. 

Not all, but some community foundations offer a ‘sub-fund’ account in which the donor can send their tax-deductible gift held within the foundation. Usually, gifts are at least $20,000 but some allow for as little as $2,000 that can grow over time. These funds are pooled with other funds to deliver greater impact through local projects. 

Links to more details: 

More about the community foundations model. 

Community Foundations Australia (CFA) is the peak body for community foundations in Australia. 

CFA and PA set out the long-term strategic vision to grow community foundations last year as part of the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy. 

Figuring out who and what to give to

Understanding what your client cares about will help you provide tailored advice and deepen your relationship with them and their family. 

There are tens of thousands of charities to give to – you can search for almost all of them here on the ACNC Charity Register - but it can help to start simple: who are the people you would like to benefit and what causes match your clients’ passion? 

You can have a go with your client with these simple one-page worksheets on who to give to and what to give to. 

“The Project Independence model is unique, proven, scalable and shovel ready, and a testament to the philanthropic support of individuals, community, business and government.” Co-founder Glenn Keys AO