Certain non-profit organisations are eligible for endorsement as deductible gift recipients (DGR). A DGR is a fund or organisation that can receive tax-deductible gifts. Being a DGR may mean that your organisation may be more attractive to people who want to support you financially. The income tax law determines which types of organisations or funds can qualify for DGR status.

Some DGRs are listed by name in the income tax law. They include organisations like Landcare Australia Limited, Amnesty International Australia, and the Australian Academy of Science. For other organisations to be DGRs, they must fall within one of a number of categories set out in the income tax law. Examples include public benevolent institutions, public universities, public hospitals and school building funds.

All organisations claiming DGR status (except those listed by name in the income tax law or regulations) need to be endorsed by the Tax Office. If they are not endorsed donors cannot claim income tax deductions for their gifts. As well as falling within a specified DGR category, your organisation needs to:

For further information about DGR categories and the endorsement process for obtaining DGR status, check out PilchConnect’s website.

If you believe you are entitled to be endorsed as a DGR, you should apply to the Australian Tax Office. You can contact the ATO on 1300 130 248 or check out the ATO website.

DGRs are not automatically exempt from income tax - see above.