Not-for-Profit Finance Week
Date: 08 - 11 Sep 2025
Not-for-Profit Finance Week
Not-for-Profit Finance Week is a celebration of ideas, knowledge and financial capacity-building for the $100 billion Australian not-for-profit sector.
The aim of this event, held in September 2025, is to increase the profile of the not-for-profit sector, bolster the financial capacity and sustainability of the sector, and provide support for the staff, board members and treasurers carrying out the important task of overseeing the finances.
Join us for a week of information-packed FREE webinars. Full details can be found below.
Webinar: Questions your board should be asking about the finances
Presented by Nina Laitala, training lead, Institute of Community Directors Australia
Overseeing the finances is one of the most important tasks you have as a board member. Financial literacy will put your organisation in the best position to promote and fulfil your organisation’s mission. If you don't understand how the finances work, you'll be at risk of getting caught up if anything goes wrong – and things can (and will) go wrong!
In this webinar we’ll be exploring:
- the questions you should be asking about the finances as a board member
- the reports you should be seeing to ensure you're getting the full picture
- how to read, interpret, and act on financial papers to make informed decisions
- integrating financial oversight into board decision-making, so strategy and sustainability go hand in hand.
Webinar: Demystifying DGR: What it is and why it matters
Presented by Anna Fitzgibbon, executive, governance and compliance, The Breakthrough Office
For many not-for-profits, Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status can be a game changer. It opens the door to tax-deductible donations, boosts donor confidence, and unlocks access to philanthropic funding and grants. But the application process can feel daunting, and missing key details could set you back months.
In this webinar, we’ll be covering:
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What DGR status really means and why it matters for your organisation
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Eligibility criteria and how to determine if your organisation qualifies
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Step-by-step guidance on navigating the application process with confidence
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Common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your application is approved smoothly
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Practical insights and examples to help you strengthen your case.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore DGR or are ready to apply, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to take the next step.
Webinar: Winding up a community organisation
Presented by Paul Ellis, special counsel, and Mathew Gashi, senior associate, Maddocks
Closing a community organisation, whether at the end of a planned lifespan or due to insurmountable financial pressures, is a significant governance undertaking. Without careful handling, it can lead to legal, financial, and reputational risks that affect board members personally.
In this webinar, we’ll be covering:
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When and why winding up might be needed: from mission fulfilment to financial unsustainability
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Understanding your legal and constitutional obligations, including reporting, transferring remaining assets, and meeting charity regulator requirements
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What insolvency means in practice, including board duty to avoid trading while insolvent and potential personal penalties
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Practical steps for a planned closure: notifying regulators, closing bank accounts, managing residual funds and stakeholder communications
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How to recognise and navigate an involuntary winding up: recognising warning signs, reducing obligations early, and seeking expert advice to minimise risk and harm.
Whether your board is preparing for closure due to mission completion or facing financial distress, this session will guide you to act responsibly, legally, and ethically from start to finish.
Webinar: Artificial Intelligence in Fundraising: Navigating the tech transformation
Presented by Catherine Brooks, chief executive officer, Equitable Philanthropy
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept for fundraising – it’s here, and it’s changing how charities engage donors, analyse data, and design campaigns. While AI offers enormous opportunities to personalise engagement, increase efficiency, and boost revenue, it also brings new ethical, legal, and governance challenges that can’t be ignored.
In this webinar, we’ll explore:
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How AI is reshaping the fundraising landscape – from predictive donor analytics to generative content creation
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The benefits and risks of AI adoption, including privacy, bias, and governance considerations
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Practical examples and tools NFPs can use now to streamline donor engagement and optimise campaigns
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How to develop an AI fundraising policy to ensure responsible, transparent, and ethical use of emerging technologies
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What funders are saying about AI, and how to align your approach to maintain trust and credibility.
Whether you’re experimenting with AI tools or just beginning to explore their potential, this session will help you navigate the tech transformation with confidence, responsibility, and impact.