Advancing Social or Public Welfare

Part 5: Assisting the rebuilding, repairing, or securing of assets after a disaster

When the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission register an organisation, its charity ‘subtypes’ are also publicly registered.

These reflect the category of that organisation’s charitable purpose, which is what its activities will work towards achieving.

Each subtype has a specific meaning under the law.

The subtype for discussion today is for Advancing social or public welfare.

This is part 5 of a 5-part series on this subtype as it covers a broad scope of purposes.

This is a purpose introduced by the Charities Act, and includes purposes previously recognised in charity law (such as the relief of poverty and the relief of the needs of the aged).

The Charities Act confirms that the following purpose (among many others) is included:

Assisting the rebuilding, repairing or securing of assets after a disaster

This is a specific provision in the Charities Act, and is separate from disaster relief for individuals, which is also likely to be charitable and registrable with this subtype.

Some examples of charities that assist with rebuilding, repairing or securing assets damaged by disaster:

o Charities raising funds to repair not-for-profit community buildings damaged by cyclone, bushfire or other disasters.

o Charities raising funds to repair not-for-profit assets (other than buildings) damaged by cyclone, bushfire or other disasters.