We have had a number of questions regarding our application to achieve DGR status in Australia and we are happy to share the following information in case it can assist other organisations considering their charitable status in Australia.
This is the process we followed to achieve DGR status:
- We applied to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) to be considered for Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status. Application document; support document.
- PBI status was granted by the ACNC six weeks after our application was submitted. Our experience was the ACNC were super-efficient, thorough, and always helpful and courteous. We were impressed throughout.
- Once PBI status was granted we applied to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to be considered for a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement.
- DGR status was granted by the ATO four weeks after our application. Our experience was the ATO were efficient and always helpful and courteous.
The main difference between this application process and prior (unsuccessful) efforts was the application for PBI status to the ACNC rather than an Overseas Aid Gift Deduction Scheme (OAGDS) application to AusAid. We are happy to help with questions if contacted directly.