From 1 April 2026, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) registered charities can use their ACNC registration to fundraise in NSW and do not need to apply for or renew a NSW charitable fundraising authority.
Introduction
If you raise more than $15,000 in a financial year for a charitable purpose in NSW, you must have an authority to fundraise from NSW Fair Trading.
However, from 1 April 2026, ACNC registered charities do not need to apply for or hold a NSW charitable fundraising authority, as they are automatically taken to hold a deemed authority. ACNC registered charities no longer need to apply for or renew a NSW authority.
For non ACNC registered charities, an authority continues to operate under NSW law and must be renewed as required.
An authority lasts for up to 5 years and there is no limit to the number of fundraising appeals covered by a valid authority. You can apply to renew your authority for 1, 3 or 5 years before it expires or up to 3 months after the expiry date.
The authority holder must provide written authority to people who volunteer or receive a wage, commission or fee to fundraise on their behalf towards the charitable purpose.
The Charitable Fundraising Guidelines provide information on:
- authority to fundraise
- conducting a fundraising appeal
- financial requirements
- record keeping
- reporting requirements
- engaging a commercial fundraiser (trader) and
- governance.
Before you start
From 1 April 2026, if you are an ACNC registered charity, you do not need to complete this application. Only non ACNC entities, individuals, and certain traders must apply for a NSW charitable fundraising authority.
ACNC registered charities must comply with the National Fundraising Principles and ACNC reporting requirements.
Individuals, registered charities, organisations and traders that intend to fundraise for charitable purposes must comply with the responsibilities for fundraising.
Before you begin the application process, follow the steps to:
- determine whether you need an authority to fundraise
- establish your charitable purpose
- determine your organisation structure
- create a constitution or terms of appeal.
What you need
These requirements apply only to applicants who are not registered as a charity with the ACNC.
Once you're ready to begin your application you need:
- details of the proposed beneficiary (optional)
- details of a contact person
- details of the auditor (optional)
- copy of the terms of an appeal (if you're an individual)
- copy of the latest audited financial statements, if applicable.
Organisations also need to provide a:
- statement of objects setting out the purpose and range of activities
- constitution or trust deed and/or certificate of registration or corporation.
Payment
You do not have to pay a fee to apply for a charitable fundraising authority.
How to apply
This application process applies only to individuals and organisations that are not registered charities with the ACNC.
ACNC registered charities do not need to apply for a charitable fundraising authority with NSW Fair Trading.
Follow these steps if you do need to submit an application.
- Select the 'Apply online' button.
- Follow the prompts to complete your application.
If you cannot apply online:
- Download Charitable fundraising authority – application – PDF.
- Complete the form.
- Sign the declaration.
- Attach your supporting documents.
- Email your application to the address on the form.
Privacy and personal information
To apply for a charitable fundraising authority with NSW Fair Trading, you need to create or log in with a MyServiceNSW Account.