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
Our Place extract: When the Australian dream becomes a lifelong disadvantage
Posted on 23 Sep 2026
In his new book Our Place, policy expert Matt Lloyd-Cope argues that housing must be at the heart…
Australians love a punt, and now we’re gambling with democracy
Posted on 23 Sep 2026
There are solutions to counter the rise of One Nation but they might not be residing in the mess…
Less funding, more demand: charities globally are feeling the heat
Posted on 23 Sep 2026
A just-released major global survey of charities has found that demand for charity assistance has…
Fairfax–Yiliyapinya funding agreement is a meeting of minds
Posted on 23 Sep 2026
Fresh from welcoming delegates to last week’s Philanthropy Australia conference in Brisbane,…
Housing crisis needs a national plan, not more crammed cities
Posted on 23 Sep 2026
A national strategy to develop Australia's regional cities is needed to break the housing…
Have your say on whether new rules should lift the veil on charity regulator investigations
Posted on 23 Sep 2026
Eight years after a report to Treasury first suggested the charities regulator should be more…
Philanthropists ask: Can we forge a better future?
Posted on 17 Sep 2026
Australia’s biggest gathering of philanthropists, which drew more than 1200 delegates to Brisbane…
Why winning philanthropic support is complicated
Posted on 17 Sep 2026
Experts in Australian philanthropy say there are stark differences between philanthropic money and…
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…
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…