About the organisation
An organisation applied for charity registration with the subtypes 'advancing education' and 'advancing culture'. It had previously applied for charity registration but had never been registered as a charity.
Following submission of the organisation’s first application, the ACNC reached out with a request for more information. We needed more detail about each of the organisation’s programs, including who would be eligible to participate and who would benefit.
The organisation did not respond to our requests by the deadline, or request more time to complete their application. This meant we did not have enough information to determine if they were eligible to be registered, and as a result, the application was refused.
In its second application, the organisation applied with the same subtypes. The organisation shared that it had not yet undertaken any activities, but had plans to implement a structured program in schools.
The program was centred on ways students could promote positive behaviours through adopting a community focus, promoting social connection and compassion, and embedding these values in their school’s culture.
In time, the organisation also hoped to expand into community outreach initiatives and offer programs to elderly people experiencing social isolation and requiring greater care and support.
About the application
From the detail provided about the school program, it was clear that the initiative intended to advance education. However the ACNC was unsure which of the organisation’s activities would be consistent with the advancing culture subtype.
When we contacted the organisation, it shared that while the program was centred on promoting positive behaviour, it also had a range of positive side effects – such as the prevention of bullying.
The organisation explained that the ripple effect of the program could also result in improvements to school culture.
Advancing culture includes the purposes of promoting or fostering culture, and caring for, preserving and protecting Australian heritage.
Some examples of charities advancing culture include:
- organisations that promote Australian Indigenous culture and customs
- fine arts and musical societies
- foundations for theatre, ballet, and the opera
- museums and libraries
- foundations and trusts supporting these activities.
About the registration process
After clarifying what the school program would deliver, we determined that the organisation’s work aligned with the advancing education subtype, but not with advancing culture.
Our team explained that the intention of the advancing culture purpose or subtype was not for improving culture within an organisation like a school in a general sense, but instead related more to cultural activities. Our team then gave examples of the cultural activities typically included.
As a result, the organisation agreed to withdraw the request to register with the advancing culture subtype.
We also asked questions about future plans the organisation had for its community outreach program. In response, the organisation shared more information about their future aspirations, while adding that the plans were still in development.
From this information, we believed that the future community outreach program may be aligned with the charitable purpose of advancing social or public welfare, and the organisation could apply to add this subtype if necessary.
Because the organisation’s future activities were still in the early stages of development, there was not enough information to fully assess how they might ultimately align with its current charitable purpose and possible expanded purposes.
We advised the organisation to contact us when it had completed further development of their planned community outreach programs so we could determine if changes to its charity subtypes were required.
As a charity develops, its activities and purposes may change. As a result, the subtypes with which it is registered may also need to change.
Registered charities can apply to the ACNC to change their subtypes – either by adding new ones or removing old ones that no longer apply – at any point.
Changes to a charity’s purposes need to be reflected in its governing document. Before approving any changes to a charity's subtypes, the ACNC will need to see evidence supportive of the change.
Changes to a charity's subtypes will not appear on the Charity Register until they have been formally approved.
It is important for charities to keep their subtypes up to date. Doing so ensures their Charity Register record provides an accurate reflection of their work.
Outcome
The ACNC registered the organisation as a charity with the charity subtype of advancing education.