NSW Fundraising reforms brings state into line with national standards

The reforms significantly reduce the administrative and regulatory burden associated with cross‑border fundraising, enabling charities to dedicate more time and resources to their core mission.

By cutting unnecessary red tape, the NSW Government is helping charities to maximise their operational impact and strengthen the essential services they provide to communities across the state.

The reforms support the national commitment to harmonising charitable fundraising regulation and making compliance easier for charities by:

• Allowing registered charities to use their ACNC registration to automatically fundraise in NSW under a 'deemed authority', supporting the national 'tell us once' initiative.
• Removing the need for ACNC-registered charities to submit the NSW-specific Statement of Compliance to the ACNC, so financial reporting is fully harmonised.
• Removing duplicative NSW-specific record keeping requirements for ACNC-registered charities fundraising in NSW.
• Simplifying financial reporting requirements for ACNC-registered incorporated associations so they only need to comply with ACNC reporting requirements.
• Adopting the 16 National Fundraising Principles as additional prescribed conditions for all NSW authority holders.
• Removing outdated Standard Conditions for NSW authority holders, including those already covered under the Principles.

The reforms deliver a new consistent regulatory model designed to make it easier for charities and fundraisers to operate, particularly for those working across jurisdictions or online.

Registered charities no longer need to apply separately for a NSW fundraising authority as they can now obtain a ‘deemed authority’.

Once a registered charity gains deemed authority status, it benefits from simplified regulation and is exempt from several NSW requirements.

Charities that previously held a NSW fundraising authority were automatically transitioned to a deemed authority on 1 April 2026. This allows them to continue fundraising in NSW without needing to notify the ACNC.

Learn what’s changing and how it applies to your organisation:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/charitable-fundraising

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Natasha Mann:

“Charities and fundraising organisations should review the new requirements, understand how the ‘deemed authority’ and National Fundraising Principles apply to them, and ensure their processes are aligned ahead of commencement.”

“Aligning NSW regulations with the national approach is an important step in creating a consistent, streamlined fundraising environment across Australia.”

“The harmonisation reforms cut unnecessary red tape and remove outdated requirements that no longer reflect how fundraising works today.”

“A stronger and more streamlined charitable sector ultimately means better support for communities across NSW.”

Quotes to be attributed to Sue Woodward AM, Commissioner Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission:

“The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) welcomes the introduction of law in New South Wales that streamlines the fundraising process for charities, enabling improved information sharing between NSW and the ACNC.”

“These reforms will remove unnecessary red tape and provide donors with confidence that fundraising activities meet national standards.”

“The ACNC will continue to work collaboratively with NSW authorities to support implementation and help charities understand the new requirements.”