In this edition
In this edition, we share the latest research, resources and developments shaping the not-for-profit and charity landscape including:
- Our feature article on AI use in the charity sector.
- The AICD’s new guide on not-for-profit director remuneration.
- Key findings from the 12th edition of the Australian Charities Report, including new data on volunteers, revenue and sector composition.
- The launch of ‘NFP Digital Futures’ – a national initiative to build digital capability across the not-for-profit sector.
- Upcoming events including the ACNC Governing for Good Forum and the 2026 CLAANZ Annual Conference.
As always, please reach out if we can support you as you pursue your purpose.
Happy reading!
Research and resources
Cause and effect – AI use in the charity sector
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how charities work, from drafting communications and grant applications to streamlining reporting and service delivery, but adoption is moving faster than governance, with only 14% of organisations having an AI policy in place. In our feature article, we explore how charities can make the most of AI’s potential while managing sector-specific risks.
Click here to read our article.
AICD releases not-for-profit director remuneration guide
The Australian Institute of Company Directors has published a new guide to support not-for-profit organisations considering whether and how to remunerate directors. Rather than advocating for remuneration, the guide provides a structured, principles-based framework to help boards navigate governance, legal, stakeholder and implementation considerations. We were pleased to have been asked to contribute to this guide.
For more information, click here to access the guide.
12th edition of the Australian Charities Report released
The ACNC has recently released the 12th Annual Charities Report, drawing on data from 53,641 Annual Information Statements for the 2024 reporting period. Charities reported $239 billion in revenue, employed 1.6 million people (around 11% of Australia’s workforce) and engaged a record 3.9 million volunteers, underscoring the sector’s vital economic and social contribution. The report also offers useful insights into the diversity of the sector, including the different roles played by charities of varying sizes and the communities they serve across Australia and overseas.
For more information, click here to access the full report.
NFP Digital Futures – a national initiative to build sector-wide digital capability
On 1 June 2026, Infoxchange and PwC Australia’s Impact Assembly launched NFP Digital Futures – a sector-led national initiative to build digital capability at scale across the not-for-profit sector.
The initiative follows 18 months of planning and collaboration and aims to strengthen the sector’s foundations in cyber security, data and AI, so not-for-profits can better support the communities they serve. More than $16 million has been secured in start-up funding, with an ambition to mobilise up to $50 million. Partners include philanthropic foundations, government, the National AI Centre and a network of 35 collaborative partners.
For more information, click here to read more.
Reminder – Annual Information Statement deadline for calendar-year charities
A reminder that charities reporting on a calendar-year basis (1 January to 31 December 2025) must submit their Annual Information Statement (AIS) to the ACNC by 30 June 2026. Ensure your AIS is lodged on time to meet your reporting obligations.
Click here to access the ACNC Charity Portal.
Upcoming events and webinars
2026 CLAANZ Annual Conference
Save the date! Gilbert + Tobin is excited to host the 2026 CLAANZ Annual Conference. The theme of this conference is Towards Solutions: Pressing Issues in Charity Law. The conference will run over one and a half days in July 2026.
Charities and Social Sector Partner Darren Fittler will deliver the keynote address on pressing issues in charity law. The program also features panels led by practitioners and industry leaders, covering compliance, AI, taxation, gifts and bequests and mergers and restructures. G+T’s Elizabeth Wighton will be on a panel covering mergers and acquisitions, with Kaushalya Mataraaratchi joining a panel on charitable bequests.
Event details
Date: Thursday 23 July – Friday 24 July 2026
Format: Gilbert + Tobin, Sydney and online
ACNC Governing for Good Forum
The ACNC’s annual Governing for Good Forum will take place on Friday 14 August 2026 in person and online. The all-day event is focused on strengthening governance and sharing practical insights across the charity sector, bringing together charities, not-for-profits, regulators and sector professionals.
Date: Friday 14 August 2026
Format: Melbourne CBD and online
Registrations open 1 July 2026.