Hands Across Canberra supports hundreds of local charities. Photo: Liv Cameron.
Whether you’re looking forward to an exciting return or dreading going through receipts, you’ve likely marked EOFY on your calendar.
This time of year conversations around money are largely geared towards savings, sales and sprees.
But Andrew Fernance from RSM Canberra says EOFY presents another opportunity to put your hard-earned dollars to good use.
“This is the best time for individuals and businesses to donate to Canberra’s many worthy causes,” he says. “If you make a tax-deductible donation over $2 this June, you could have it returned as soon as July.
“A reliable accountant can help maximise the impact of these tax-deductible donations and ensure you get a good return.”
To claim a deduction, the charity must be registered with the ACNC as a deductible gift recipient and your charity of choice needs to actually receive the donation by the 30 June.
Deductible gift recipients can be searched by ABN, ACN or name on the Australian Business Register.
One of the many charities reaching out to the community for support this June and July is community foundation Hands Across Canberra.
“Hands Across Canberra works closely with over 350 local charities, who all in turn work with vulnerable people,” CEO Peter Gordon says.
“It’s very clear to us that cost of living pressures are bearing down on the vulnerable more than ever before, and supportive organisations are finding it really hard to keep up.”
Andrew Fernance is a fellow chartered accountant and registered tax agent at RSM Canberra. He says EOFY is the perfect time to donate to a great cause. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
“The community has a chance at tax time to get involved, make a donation and know that any money donated through Hands Across Canberra stays in Canberra to help our local organisations directly,” Peter says.
“Across the board, organisations that work with vulnerable people are essential.
“We have quite a large number of refugees and migrants coming to Canberra from all over the world who need help to get situated and move forward in their new lives.”
Also becoming more dire are local rates of homelessness. Despite crucial fundraising efforts such as the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout, there will be people sleeping rough this winter.
“We will have more than 2000 people homeless tonight across the city. Especially in this weather, that’s frightening,” Peter says.
“The more we can help these charity organisations and their partners working distribute funds, resources, volunteers, whatever it may be… The better the outcome for vulnerable people throughout our vibrant city.”
As the end of the 2022/23 financial year draws to a close, consider donating to one of the following Canberran charity organisations:
Canberra Hospital Foundation: providing a caring, world-class health and healing service for patients, their families and carers.
Hands Across Canberra : promoting a culture of giving and raising funds for local organisations working with our most vulnerable people.
Karinya House: providing a place of sanctuary and growth for pregnant or parenting women.
Lifeline Canberra: setting the benchmark for suicide prevention, community-wide awareness and mental health advocacy.
Menslink : helping young men make better choices and engage positively with society through free counselling, mentoring and education.
Project Independence: providing a place of safety for people with an intellectual disability to grow their independence.
Ronald McDonald House Canberra (RMHC): offering families with seriously ill or injured children and premature babies a home away from home.
RSPCA ACT: preventing cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.
St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra (Vinnies): serving and advocating for people who are marginalised, disadvantaged, or otherwise in need.
RSM Financial Services Australia is participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout this June. Find out more here.
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