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
Silence now could cost you, and the communities you serve
Posted on 15 Apr 2026
One of the most important lessons from the covid 19 pandemic was to ask for what is needed. This…
‘The Generous Country’ by Ryan Ginard: an extract
Posted on 15 Apr 2026
Not-for-profit leader Ryan Ginard says that if luck made Australia wealthy, generosity will keep it…
Historic conference advances national First Nations philanthropy body
Posted on 15 Apr 2026
Organisers of Blak Loungeroom, a historic Indigenous-led philanthropy conference held in Melbourne…
New ACNC guidance aims to help charities invest wisely, safely and within guidelines
Posted on 15 Apr 2026
Charities fortunate enough to have cash reserves face the happy dilemma of how best to invest and…
How Virginia Saxton crafted ‘philanthropic enrolment’ for direct impact
Posted on 15 Apr 2026
When Dr Virginia Saxton teaches young radiology registrars, they don’t have to pay for the course.…
Red Cross shifts to skills-based board as demand grows for aid
Posted on 15 Apr 2026
The Australian Red Cross has overhauled its governance, replacing a large member-based board with a…
Right on target: Disability advocate's approach to community impact
Posted on 15 Apr 2026
Tania Sacco knows what it means to aim carefully. As a competitive archer who has represented…
What’s keeping not-for-profit leaders awake at night?
Posted on 13 Apr 2026
A Community Directors survey of not-for-profit leaders’ biggest governance concerns has prompted a…
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…