Auditors and assets
In most Australian states, incorporated associations are required to have their accounts audited…
Finance for treasurers
Help sheets
Budgeting for treasurers
Budgeting is simply the process of planning your organisation's finances for a specified period,…
Financial management and your community group
In a not-for-profit organisation the board or committee of management is ultimately responsible for…
Financial Obligations for Not-for-Profit Organisations in Australia
Not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in Australia are subject to financial obligations that vary by…
Glossary of financial terms
The glossary of financial terms has been developed to give quick access to definitions of some of…
Keeping the books
The terms 'bookkeeping' and 'accounting' are often used interchangeably, but they have different…
Nailing the treasurer's report
Whether you're a veteran or have just recently been appointed treasurer of your not-for-profit…
Record-keeping for treasurers
A computer system is not a substitute for paper records. Make sure you keep a hard copy audit trail…
Articles
Why Australia’s community organisations need a new governance model
Posted on 25 Feb 2026
Australia’s community organisations are quietly holding society together. From local sporting clubs…
States and territories dragging on vital national fundraising principles: Justice Connect
Posted on 25 Feb 2026
Three years after the federal government announced that national fundraising principles would be…
When community consultation brings unintended consequences
Posted on 25 Feb 2026
A Victorian suburb's hot debate about whether trains should live underground or in the sky ended…
Every day is a fundraising day, says new free calendar
Posted on 25 Feb 2026
Writing communications for donors, stakeholders, regulators and the public can be a relentless task…
The king of literary silliness becomes Australia’s Children’s Laureate
Posted on 25 Feb 2026
Author Andy Griffiths has spent 30 years bringing “punk rock” to children’s books, making kids…
Mystery solved as Senator Dean Smith slips back into shadow charities portfolio
Posted on 25 Feb 2026
Senator Dean Smith is back as shadow minister for charities, and he’s told the Community Advocate…
Attention governments: There’s more to giving out grants than handing over the money
Posted on 18 Feb 2026
Around 50 per cent of all funding for charities in Australia comes from government. The nature of…
Slowing down and truly listening: Jahna Cedar’s approach to leadership
Posted on 18 Feb 2026
When Nyiyaparli woman Jahna Cedar travels to New York next month as part of the Australian…
Checklists
Members Only
Making sure your annual report is complete
Once you have completed your annual report, use the following checklist to make sure you haven't…
Members Only
Preparing for bequests
Use this checklist to help determine if your organisation is ready to establish a wills/bequests…
Members Only
Treasurer's checklist: Can your group be trusted with money?
If you're asking for grants, you have to be able to guarantee you can handle the money. The…
Policies
Budget Planning Policy
Boards are responsible for overseeing the budget of the organisation and for ensuring that the…
Delegations Policy
This policy sets out the circumstances under which the Board may delegate its responsibilities.…
Financial Controls Policy
Finances and financial transactions, including credit cards, cheques, and petty cash, if properly…
Fraud Risk Management Policy
Just like commercial organisations, not-for-profit organisations may be subject to fraudulent…
Investment Planning Policy
Boards are responsible for ensuring that the organisation operates within a responsible,…
Procurement policy
Purchasing decisions can have a big impact on an organisation’s finances, reputation, and…
Reimbursement Policy
Staff or volunteers may on occasion be required to pay expenses consequent on their employment out…