1What types of advocacy organisations qualify for tax-deductible donations?
Advocacy charities with DGR status typically focus on research, education, and public interest work rather than direct political campaigning. This includes policy research institutes, legal reform organisations, and public education charities. For general information about DGR requirements and tax deductibility, see our
tax deductions FAQ.
2Can advocacy charities engage in political activities?
DGR-endorsed advocacy charities can engage in policy advocacy and public education but have restrictions on direct political campaigning and partisan political activities. They must focus on charitable purposes like advancing education, relieving poverty, or other public benefits.
3How do I find advocacy organisations working on specific policy issues?
Search by policy area on the ACNC website, contact relevant parliamentary committees or government departments for lists of stakeholder organisations, or look for peak bodies and professional associations in your area of interest.
4Are donations to political parties or candidates tax-deductible?
No, donations to political parties, candidates, or direct political campaigning are not tax-deductible. Only donations to DGR-endorsed charities qualify for tax deductions, and these organisations have restrictions on partisan political activities.
5Can advocacy charities lobby government directly?
Yes, DGR-endorsed advocacy charities can engage with government through submissions, consultations, and policy discussions as part of their charitable purpose, but they cannot engage in partisan political campaigning or support specific political candidates.
6Do advocacy organisations accept regular giving arrangements?
Most advocacy charities welcome regular donations, which provide stable funding for ongoing policy research, education programs, and advocacy activities. Regular support helps organisations plan long-term campaigns and research projects. For more information about regular giving benefits, see our
donation types guide.
7What's the difference between advocacy charities and lobby groups?
Advocacy charities with DGR status must pursue charitable purposes like education or public benefit, while commercial lobby groups represent specific industry or business interests. Only registered charities with DGR endorsement can offer tax-deductible donations.
8Can I support advocacy work on controversial issues?
Yes, as long as the organisation has DGR status and focuses on charitable purposes like education, research, or public benefit rather than partisan political campaigning. Many advocacy charities work on complex or contested policy issues within their charitable mandate.
9How do advocacy organisations measure their impact?
Look for organisations that track policy influence through government adoption of recommendations, media coverage, public engagement metrics, successful legal cases, or legislative changes influenced by their work.
10Are there minimum donation amounts for advocacy organisations?
Most advocacy charities accept donations of any size because every contribution helps fund research, education, and advocacy activities. Small regular donations can be particularly valuable for sustaining long-term policy work.
11Can I donate to support specific policy campaigns or research projects?
Many advocacy organisations allow donors to direct contributions toward specific research projects, policy campaigns, or issue areas within their charitable purposes. However, unrestricted donations often provide more flexibility for responding to emerging policy opportunities.
12How do I ensure my donation supports non-partisan advocacy work?
Research organisations that focus on evidence-based policy analysis, maintain independence from political parties, publish transparent research methodologies, and demonstrate commitment to objective analysis rather than partisan positioning.
