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A Guide to Giving
A Guide to Giving
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Getting started in philanthropy may seem intimidating if you've never done it before - there are so many different ways to give and so many potential causes to give to! Here is a step by step guide to simplify the process.
1. Philanthropy Australia's Guide to Giving
The Guide to Giving is a free downloadable PDF publication. Downloading the Guide to Giving is a good starting point because it is designed for people who are new to the idea of planned giving and don't know what questions to ask or who to ask them of. The Guide will give you some basic information about the different types of legal structures available, as well as about identifying your own giving priorities.
2. Further research
Once you have read the Guide to Giving, you will probably want to do some more research to widen your knowledge of philanthropy. You may wish to visit the websites of some of our member foundations to see the kind of activities and projects they are involved in - you can find plenty of foundations in our Members List. Or perhaps you would like to visit the websites of some charities - you can find many charities linked on the Pro Bono Australia website, the Our Community website or the Auscharity site. Our 30 Year Celebration will also give you a great idea of the stories behind Australian philanthropy and some of the wonderful work done by Australian philanthropists.
You may also wish to investigate some more detail about legal structures and options. The Australian Taxation Office is a good place to start for donations and tax concessions, as well as for documents such as the model trust deed for Private Ancillary Funds. Start with the Nonprofit section of their website.
Finally, if you'd like to get a good idea of the current trends and issues in the sector, and of who's doing what, you may wish to subscribe to Australian Philanthropy journal.
3. Find a professional advisor
If you decide to go ahead with a formal giving vehicle, you will need to find a professional advisor to assist you with the establishment of your legal structure. Even if you decide to do something as simple as make a bequest in your will, you may wish to consult a professional advisor. You can find a list of professional advisors on our Service Providers page.
4. Begin operations!
Once you begin to operate as a giver, you will probably find that you have a new set of questions. Many of these have been faced by others in the past, and you will be able to learn from their experience. A subscription to Australian Philanthropy journal will provide you with a wide variety of information from your peers in the field. Membership of Philanthropy Australia will give you access to help from our experienced staff who will be able to assist you with answers to your questions.
5. Stay connected
Becoming a Member of Philanthropy Australia will enable you to meet other people working in philanthropy and to discover new ways to collaborate and learn from others. Increase the effectiveness of your giving by joining one or more of Philanthropy Australia's Affinity Groups or Networks, and taking advantage of the experience and information that the philanthropic community can provide you with. Keep in touch with current events via our membership newsletters and other services, and never stop learning.
What is the Guide to Giving?
The Guide to Giving is a guide to philanthropy for donors. Philanthropy is a voluntary donation of money, goods or time for the public good - sometimes called "time, talent or treasure". The Guide to Giving explains the different ways in which Australians can give. It contains worksheets so that you can focus your efforts and plan for the future, if that is what you wish. It does not contain legal information, which is best handled by a qualified professional, but it does list further resources including professional advisors, as well as websites and further reading.
The Guide to Giving is supported by The Myer Foundation. It is available for free download from Philanthropy Australia.
Who will find it useful?
Anyone who would like to be involved in giving in Australia will find something useful in the Guide, including:
- People who are thinking of setting up a foundation but are not sure where to start
- People who are not sure what type of giving is right for them
- People who would like to leave money in their will
- People who would like to donate money but are not sure how to begin
- People who are curious about how philanthropy works in Australia
- Charities who would like to encourage visitors and others to give
- Professional advisors who would like to provide information on philanthropy to their clients
What's in the Guide?
Introduction
What's What
Introduction to Terms
Section One: Getting Started
A). Personal Motivations
WORKSHEET - Why Give?
B) Assets
WORKSHEET - Assets
C. Constraints
D. Giving Focus
WORKSHEET - What to Give To
WORKSHEET - Who to Give to
Section Two: Examine Your Options
Unplanned giving
Planned giving
Giving tools
A. Options for Unplanned Giving
1. Giving money directly to a charity
2. Donating time to a charity
3. Donating goods or property to a charity
4. Donating directly to individuals
B. Options for planned giving
1. Setting up your own charity
2. Leaving a bequest in your will to a charity
3. Setting up your own charitable foundation (during your lifetime)
Private Ancillary Fund (PAF)
Private Charitable Trust
Ancillary fund (Public fund)
4. Leaving money in your will to establish a foundation
5. Establishing a foundation with a trustee company
6. Donating to another foundation
7. Setting up a sub-fund of a community foundation
8. Giving through an intermediary
9. Joining with others to donate through a Giving Circle
10. Donating through a workplace payroll giving scheme
Comparison Tables
Conclusion
Section Three: Resources
Glossary
Further Assistance
Professional Advisors - Philanthropic Foundations
External site (opens in new window)