The ACNC’s charity register experienced a surge in numbers of people accessing it this year, and more accessible search features for public users have just been added.
Commissioner Dr Gary Johns, the head of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), reported that the new search features improving the Charity Register have just gone live.
The new features offer the following benefits:
- People can now search for charities that offer various kinds of programs, for example, housing services, animal rescue, disability support and more.
- People can also seek out charities and NPFs that operate in a particular suburb, town or region.
Dr Johns highlighted that the register is designed to allow donors and supporters “to easily find organisations doing the type of work they are interested in supporting, and to allow charities to showcase their incredible work”.
The popularity of the register has confirmed the public need for clear, detailed information.
Some 4.2 million register searches were conducted in the last financial year. The markedly increased usage is up from 3.2 million in FY20 and a million in FY19.
The register is the largest and most comprehensive charity database in Australia and an important regulatory tool. It is free to search and allows the public to confirm if an organisation is registered as a charity.
Charities provide their program details when completing their Annual Information Statement and categorise their programs using a standard classification system. This makes the charity more accessible and easier to find on the register. The improved transparency is also aimed at increasing public trust and confidence in charities.
Dr Johns says, “The Register is a valuable source of information about charities for people working in the sector and for Australians who support it.”
Visit the ACNC website to search for a charity by program if you are interested in supporting charities of a particular cause.
