Non-profits, Charities & Social Enterprises

Helping those who make a difference in our community

Non-profit and charitable organisations require specialist advice as they have some different legal and compliance requirements to for-profit businesses.

As one of the few legal firms with a dedicated non-profit corporate team with years of experience, we have a thorough understanding of the specific issues facing the not-for-profit sector. 

We provide structuring and tax advice to not-for-profits, charities and social enterprises during the start-up phase and throughout the business lifecycle including mergers or acquisitions. Our tax advice includes assessing eligibility and applying for income tax exemption, fringe benefits tax exemptions or rebates, goods and services tax concessions, and eligibility for deductible gift recipient endorsement.

Clients also seek our support with governance best practice, including on-boarding processes for board members, advising on directors’ and officers’ duties, insurance, deeds of access and indemnity, and drafting constitutions, rules, trust deeds and board or committee charters. We also assist with board review processes, and support effective risk management by formulating risk frameworks and assessment processes, and advise boards on dispute resolution.

We have a wealth of experience helping non-profits to comply with various laws and standards including:

• the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
• the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth)
• fundraising legislation
• the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth), including preparing privacy policies and implementing data breach plans
• legislation and standards governing the education sector
• legislation and standards governing the aged-care sector
• whistleblower legislation
• child protection legislation, and
• anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing requirements.

We often represent clients who need to deal with regulators, including responding to Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission investigations, notifying data breaches to the Office of Australian Information Commissioner and working with the Australian Taxation Office.

Our clients value our dedication to the causes they support.