Donations
Donations to the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) can be made by either individuals or businesses. The ASF can offer donors the benefit of tax deductibility for donations of $2 or over however, there are some considerations which apply including recognition a donor may receive for their donation and which projects donors may nominate as a preferred beneficiary.
- are typically:
-
- cash
- cheque
- money order
- credit card (there is an administration fee of 2% for all credit card donations charged to the project)
- are not subject to GST
- deposited into the ASF's bank account become the pool of funds available for consideration as discretionary grants for registered projects
Donors contribute to the ASF for a variety of reasons which may include:
- a desire to assist Australian sport generally
- a desire to assist a particular organisation, sport or project
- a desire to contribute to a sport played by themselves or by a friend or relative
- a desire to ‘put back something into’ their own childhood sport
- the attraction of the tax deductibility
- philanthropy
- a desire for a company or business to demonstrate good community citizenship.
In accordance with taxation law, donors:
- must contribute unconditionally and voluntarily to the ASF
- must not receive or have any expectation of any benefit, advantage, right or privilege (other than one of an insignificant nature) for their donation (apart from tax deductibility) *
- may nominate an ASF registered project as their preferred beneficiary
- cannot insist the ASF direct their donation to a specific project or participant
- should be aware that all claims for a tax deduction are subject to acceptance by the Commissioner of Taxation
Donors who are uncertain of their position are encouraged to obtain professional advice.
Donor recognition is an important element of successful fundraising. For ASF projects, organisers can recognise the contributions of donors in modest ways including:
- letters of thanks
- names on bricks, pavers, plaques, honour boards etc
- certificates of appreciation
- lists of donors in publications including annual reports
Unacceptable forms of recognition include:
- advertising
- signage at venues
- invitations to fee paying functions/events at no cost
- reduced membership rates/levies
- season tickets
- company logo on bricks, pavers etc
There are some additional donor considerations applying to Sport Development and Team Travel projects. For example, donors may not nominate a project where they, a relative or associate* will receive an additional benefit, for instance a reduced fee for a coaching course or team travel. If you are unsure of your ability to donate in support of a particular project, please seek independent professional advice.
* for definition of Associate, see ASF Terminology.
