A key responsibility for those governing a charity is to make sure that the charity has the resources it needs to carry out its work – so it can achieve its charitable purpose. The governing body (such as a board or committee of management) must work to gather the resources necessary for a charity to undertake its work, but also to ensure that these resources are protected from abuse and used in an efficient and lawful way.

What understanding of finances must a charity’s Responsible People have?

Responsible People (board or committee members) must have a level of financial understanding that will enable them to make informed decisions about their charity’s finances.

While many boards appoint treasurers and board members with financial expertise, every board member must be able to read and understand a charity’s financial information.

If you are a Responsible Person, you must be appropriately informed about the matters on which you may make a decision.

It is a good idea to participate in training to improve your understanding of finances as part of your role because you cannot make informed decisions about your charity’s finances without a basic understanding of the concepts. At the very least, you should be able to determine whether your charity is solvent and what the impact of any decision you make will be on your charity’s financial health.

Governance Standards and financial management

Charity board members have duties under the ACNC Governance Standards. These duties, set out in Governance Standard 5, include to:

  • ensure that the financial affairs of the charity are managed responsibly
  • not to allow the charity to operate while it is insolvent.

A related duty under this standard is to disclose conflicts of interest.

Learn more about managing charity money

We have a range of resources and tools to help you manage your charity's money.