Frequently Asked Questions

Last time you were here, you were looking to help vulnerable children and families. Your support can save and change lives.

Gifts for Good

What is a meaningful gift?

Our charitable Gifts for Good are impactful, meaningful gifts are a tangible expression of care, contributing to various causes and initiatives that create a lasting impact for children, families and their communities worldwide.

By choosing to purchase one (or more!) of our Gifts for Good, you are giving meaningful presents while also making a difference in the world. Whether it’s charity Christmas gifts, birthdays, anniversaries, Hanukkah, Eid or Diwali, you’ll bring greater meaning to the gesture of giving with Gifts for Good.

How to donate as a gift to someone?

It’s easy! Simply check out our catalogue of charity gifts and select your meaningful gift/s. Next, choose to send postal cards or printable PDF cards to give to your loved ones, explaining the life-changing gift you’ve given on their behalf.

If I am making a charity donation on behalf of a group of people, can I receive multiple receipts?

The receipt can only be sent out to the individual making the donation: that is, the person whose details are given on the donation form.

Do my donations really go to the children, families and communities that ChildFund works with?

Yes! Your charity gift represents a real item or resource that will be purchased to support our child-focused international development work. We collaborate closely with the communities with whom we work to develop and implement programs that suit the local context.

Your purchase of a Gift for Good enables ChildFund to resource each of our projects, and ensure they have a long-term benefit to children’s lives.

Who should I buy Gifts for Good for?

You can buy Gifts for Good for anyone. If someone you know cares about a particular cause, you can choose a gift that closely matches their interests. Our gifts have been given to colleagues, employers, family, friends, partners and more.

Are Gifts for Good tax deductible?

Yes. You will receive a tax deductible receipt for every donation over $2. Keep your receipt and you can include your charity gifts as part of your tax return next year. Find out more about how donating to charity can boost your tax return here.

Getting your Gifts for Good Gift Card before Christmas, 25th December.

For gift cards, please allow 10 days for delivery via Australia Post. For any purchases made after 16th December, you can still share a personal message with your gift by selecting the printable PDF options on our website.

What type of gift card will I receive?

You can select an e-cards, PDF card to print at home, or you can request physical cards which will be posted to your address. All of these options include a description of the item you have purchased, and how it helps children and families in vulnerable communities. All you need to do is write a personal message to your gift recipient.

Gifts for Good can be purchased at any time of the year, so you can also choose a card with a themed cover for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and other important celebrations and events.

If I am making a donation on behalf of a group of people, can I receive multiple receipts?

The receipt can only be sent out to the individual making the donation: that is, the person whose details are given on the donation form.

How long does it take to receive my gift card/s?

For mail order, please allow 10 days for delivery of your gift card/s. In order for you to write a personal message, we will send the gift card directly to you, and not to your friends or family.

E-Cards and print at home cards will be delivered to the nominated email address instantly.

How does Gifts for Good work?

If you’re looking for a creative gift idea for your friends and family simply choose a gift from the online store that you would like to buy in honour of your loved ones. Your funds will be used to resource and support our child-focused development programs.

For every charity gift, you will receive a gift card to give to your loved ones to show them the unique act you have performed on their behalf.

Gifts in Wills

Is there a minimum amount I need to include as a gift in my Will?

No matter how big or small, all gifts bring us a step closer to a world free from poverty, where all children are protected, educated and healthy. Whatever your circumstances, you can make an enormous and lasting difference for children by including a gift in your Will.

Do I have to specify how my gift is used?

A flexible Gift-in-Will helps us direct your gift to where it will have the most impact for children. Greater flexibility increases our capacity to respond to children in crisis, enables us to effectively respond to changing contexts and create sustainable, lasting change for children and their communities around the world.

It may be useful for you to have a personal conversation with ChildFund Australia’s Philanthropy Team about your gift in Will intention, to ensure that we can execute the gift according to your wishes.

Should I notify you if I have made a gift to ChildFund Australia in my Will?

Letting us know if you’ve included a gift in your Will to ChildFund Australia is your decision. However, we are very keen to thank you and keep you updated on the ways your gift will have an enduring impact for children around the world.

When you include a gift in your Will to ChildFund Australia, you join the Healthy Futures Fund – a community of people dedicated to building a healthy future for all children. If you wish, we can keep you updated on the impact of the Healthy Futures Fund so you can be assured that your gift will have the maximum impact for children.

What is a gift in Will?

A Gift-in-Will, also referred to as a bequest, is a charitable gift that is included in your Will. Including a gift in your Will to ChildFund Australia is a powerful tool for creating a healthier, safer future for all children. We will ensure your gift has the greatest impact for children, their families and their communities.

All Appeals

Donate now to help children in poverty

Your support can save and change lives. Each of our appeals approach child poverty by raising awareness about one issue we’re working to resolve. However you choose to give, your donation will be helping children, their families and communities escape the cycle of poverty.

If you’re unsure which appeal you’d like to donate to, you can also donate to where it’s most needed. We’ll use your donation to support the children and communities on our priority list, which means you don’t need to choose between equally important causes.

Every child needs a childhood, and we won’t stop working until we end poverty for all children.

Emergency response in times of crisis and disaster

When an emergency or crisis strikes, children are at their most vulnerable. Many children will be separated from their families in the chaos and may have suffered traumatic experiences as the event or disaster unfolded.

Rapid response efforts are essential to protecting children in crisis, as well as supporting their recovery and readjustment to a stable routine.

Supporting community development in rural areas

Rural communities face many challenges, particularly access to essential infrastructure and support. Children are among the most vulnerable in these communities, which is why one of our objectives is community development.

Our community development projects operate across South East Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Laos and Papua New Guinea.

Improving the livelihoods of children and families

Every child deserves to know they are loved, and to live in a nurturing, safe and supportive home. Poverty forces many children to give up their childhood, to take up work as a child labourer, or additional household responsibilities.

To help children regain their childhood, we need to support their families. By improving the livelihood of the family, we empower the children in the household with the chance to be a child again.

Appeal

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Is my donation tax deductible?

If you’re filing your tax return for the first time, have never claimed donations or donated at all, you’re probably wanting to know more about how you can claim donations to charity on your taxes. We’ve answered some of the most important questions about tax deductible donations below.

What are the benefits of making a tax deductible donation?

Tax deductible donations are about giving back, to get back. Donating to ChildFund Australia will help children in urgent need of support. You’ll be helping the most vulnerable children across South East Asia and Africa , and you yourself will be able to receive a greater refund on your tax return.

How much can I claim on my tax return?

You can submit any tax deductible donation over $2 as part of your tax return.

Which donations are not tax deductible?

You can only claim for donations which are monetary gifts, given without the promise of something in return. Raffle tickets, charity chocolates, events and other donations of this kind, are not tax deductible.

At ChildFund, all regular giving donations over $2 are tax deductible including child sponsorship, community sponsorship and donations to appeals. A few donation categories are not tax deductible, for example, birthday gifts to your sponsored child and are not included on your annual tax receipt.

Are there limits on which charities I can donate to?

Tax deductible donations need to be made to a charity or organisation that has a DGR status , like ChildFund Australia.

You can search the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits register to confirm your chosen charity has a DGR endorsement. You will also need to keep your receipt, to prove that your donation is authentic.

Where does my donation go?

Your generous donation will be directed towards where it will have greatest impact. This could include our health, education, child protection and emergency programs that address the causes and impacts of poverty for children in developing communities.

Will I receive a receipt for my donation?

Yes you will. A tax receipt for your one-off donation should arrive within 14 days. For regular monthly donations, including child sponsorship, tax receipts are sent annually, towards the end of July. Please keep your contact details updated so we can ensure you receive your tax receipt.

Can I fundraise for this Appeal?

Yes, this is a wonderful way to come together with friends and family to make a positive impact for children. Head to our fundraising page to learn more.

Major Gifts

What is the difference between “endowed” and “expendable” gifts?

Expendable gifts are used in their entirety during a specific period of time. Gifts to an emergency, for example, are expendable. Some larger expendable gifts are used over longer periods for 3-5 years.

Endowment refers to funds meant to exist in perpetuity. These gifts are invested for the long term and intended to provide a permanent source of financial support for ChildFund Australia. Each year, a portion of the fund is paid out, usually about 5 percent, and used for the purposes the donor and ChildFund Australia agreed upon when the gift was made.

Will my company match my gift?

To find out if your company offers a gift-matching program, ask your human resources department about your company’s policy. You will probably need to fill out a form provided by your company, which your company will send to ChildFund.

If your company offers matching gifts, please let us know at the time you make your gift.

What are the tax benefits of making a gift to ChildFund Australia?

All gifts to ChildFund Australia are tax deductible in Australia.

ChildFund is a Deductible Gift Recipient and if you would like a copy of our current endorsement from the Australian Tax Office then please contact us: info@childfund.org.au or 1800-023-600

How can I get a copy of my gift receipt?

All major donors receive a tax receipt and thank you letter at the time of the donation. If you would like additional copies, please don’t hesitate to contact us: info@childfund.org.au or 1800-023-600.

How will I know how my gift is being used?

Donors who have made a major gift – typically endowed funds or larger expendable funds – receive regular reports from ChildFund. Reporting may include contact from program staff and visits to in-country communities, depending on the nature of the gift. In addition, annual financial reports are sent to all major donors.

How will my gift be recognised?

ChildFund Australia and its managed country offices publish annual reports which include honour rolls. Unless you have designated your gift as anonymous, your name may appear in one of these reports at the appropriate gift level. We also welcome conversations around other naming opportunities.

Where should I direct my gift?

Most donors make annual gifts to projects of interest in conversation with ChildFund. Annual giving provides flexible resources that can be directed to ChildFund’s greatest needs and allows for planning.

How do I make a gift?

If you would like to discuss an area of interest and learn how you can make a lasting impact, please contact our Philanthropy Executive: philanthropy@childfund.org.au or call 1800-023-600.

You can also send a cheque made out to ChildFund Australia. Please include a note telling us how to direct your gift and send it to:

ChildFund Australia
C/O Philanthropy
Level 8, 162 Goulburn Street
Surry Hills, NSW 2010

If you wish to make a gift by wiring funds to ChildFund, contact our Single Giving Manager for details: philanthropy@childfund.org.au or call 1800-023-600.

To arrange a planned gift (such as a Gifts in Wills or life income gift), please visit the Gifts in Wills section of this site or contact the Gifts in Wills Executive: giftsinwills@childfund.org.au or call 1800-023-600.

Fundraising

Does ChildFund Australia accept donations such as blankets and books to send overseas?

It can be more expensive to send goods overseas than it is to buy them in country and, with often unreliable postal services in the countries where we work, it is more efficient and safe to send monetary donations to assist those in need. It is also important to support small businesses in the aftermath of any emergency, so buying goods in-country can be an important part of the recovery process for local communities.

Are donations to my event tax deductible?

Donations are tax deductible when a donor receives nothing in return for their donation. For example, donations made online, gift registry donations or company matched donations. Donations are not tax deductible when a donor receives something or the chance to win something. For example, donations for morning tea, purchases of raffle tickets or event tickets for a show

Can I use the ChildFund Australia logo when I promote my event?

We would love you to include the ChildFund Australia logo on any promotional materials for your event. Please remember, all materials must be approved by ChildFund Australia prior to print and distribution. Get in touch with our communications staff to see how they can help you promote your fundraising event.

Will ChildFund Australia assist me with publicity in my local newspaper and other media channels?

We encourage you to talk to your local media regarding your fundraising as they may feature a story about you in their paper/program. You can also contact our communications team to discuss this further.

Someone asked me for insurance to use a venue. Will ChildFund Australia provide me with insurance?

Unfortunately, ChildFund Australia only has insurance for employees and cannot provide insurance for any venue or council. You will have to speak to the venue or council about the insurance required and where to purchase it.

When do I need to send the funds raised to ChildFund Australia?

All money raised from your event should be received within two weeks of your event taking place. Refer to the Fundraiser’s Toolkit for methods of payment.

I’ve heard it is easy to get matched donations from my employer. What do I need to do to get a matched donation?

Firstly, talk to your employer as all companies operate their matched donations program differently. We can provide you with a letter regarding your fundraising along with a summary of all the donations received for your fundraising to date.

Once you know what your company needs to make their matched donation, contact our Community Fundraising Officer.

Do I have to tell ChildFund Australia about my fundraising or can I just give them the money that I raise?

All fundraisers need an Authority to Fundraise. This is required by law.

I just want to do something really simple and ask my friends and family to donate. What do you recommend?

By far the easiest way to fundraise is by creating a fundraising web page on Everyday Hero and sending a link to all your friends and family asking them to make a donation.

Can I fundraise before I receive my Authority to Fundraise?

While you are waiting for your Authority to Fundraise you can continue organising your event but you cannot collect any donations until you receive your Authority to Fundraise.

General FAQs

Where do I find my supporter number?

Please refer to any of your mailings to find your supporter number. You can also call our office on 1800 023 600 or send us an email to – info@childfund.org.au and ask us for your supporter number. You will need to provide identifying information so we can find your number for you.

How can I change my monthly donation amount?

There are a number of ways you can do this, by calling our friendly supporter relations staff on 1800 023 600; sending us an email at info@childfund.org.au giving us as much information so we can identify you; including name and address and supporter number and requesting that you wish your donation amount changed and the amount. Or you can send your request by post to: Level 8, 162 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010. Please allow 14 days notice for this change to take effect.

Can I choose the amount of correspondence l receive from ChildFund?

Yes of course. Please contact our Supporter Relations staff by either mail, email or phone.

Is ChildFund Australia website secure?

ChildFund Australia understands the importance of protecting your personal information from misuse, interference and loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

We use security encrypted response forms to protect the personal and financial information you provide us over the Internet. To confirm that your browser supports our encryption system, check for a security icon (usually a padlock) at the bottom of your screen.

Is ChildFund Australia privacy compliant?

Yes we understand the importance of protecting personal information and you can find our privacy policy here.

As a monthly donor, what date is my donation processed?

Your donation will be debited from your nominated bank account or credit card on the 15th of each month. If this date falls on a weekend your payment will be processed the Monday following.

Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes you will. For a single gift your tax receipt should arrive within 14 days. For regular monthly gifts, including child sponsorship, tax receipts are sent annually, towards the end of July.

Please keep your address details updated so we can ensure you receive your tax receipt.

Does ChildFund Australia need volunteers?

ChildFund Australia does not normally provide employment for volunteer workers in its overseas programs, preferring to fill positions in national offices with local staff to promote the cultural appropriateness of the programs. There are some opportunities for volunteer staff in the Sydney headquarters.

What happens when too much money is raised through an appeal?

Funds raised in excess of an appeal target set by ChildFund Australia will be directed to other ChildFund projects in need of funding.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Child sponsorship, Global Community and Project Humanity and one-off donations over $2 are tax-deductible and GST free.

How long do programs last?

ChildFund Australia’s program work is carefully planned with targets and goals to be achieved within set timeframes. Depending on the size and scale of the program, work can run from a number of months to many years. As ChildFund Australia is accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), all of our programs are audited to ascertain that funds are used to their maximum potential.

How does ChildFund choose communities to work with?

ChildFund Australia understands that poverty is a complex problem that needs to be addressed with full community support. ChildFund Australia assesses where its aid is able to flow without political, religious or bureaucratic obstacles and liaises with government and community members to assess where needs are the greatest. ChildFund Australia, in partnership with our ChildFund Alliance affiliates, then creates programs in consultation with community leaders to provide practical assistance to children, families and impoverished communities.

Does ChildFund Australia have a refund policy?

A request for a refund of contributions already donated to ChildFund Australia by a sponsor/donor will be considered and determined on a case by case basis.

When a request for a refund is received, an assessment of the reason given for the refund request is undertaken. The following reasons will usually be considered favourably:

The following reasons will not usually be grounds for a refund to be given:

If it is agreed that a refund is to be made the sponsor/donor will receive the refund within ten working days of the decision.

Is ChildFund Australia audited?

The financial accounts of ChildFund Australia are independently audited on an annual basis by accounting firm KPMG. This process includes auditing the financial accounts of our country offices in Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar and Timor-Leste.

How is this accountability measured?

As an organisation focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and their families, ChildFund Australia’s Development Effectiveness Framework (DEF) allows us to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of our work. The DEF gives ChildFund Australia the means to track and evaluate the results of its development programs. By counting tangible outputs and measuring long-term changes, ChildFund is able to assess the extent to which it has contributed to improved living standards for children and communities.

How accountable is ChildFund Australia?

ChildFund Australia is a member of the Australia Council for International Development (ACFID) and a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. The Code requires members to meet high standards of corporate governance, public accountability and financial management. As evidence of this accountability, ChildFund Australia is accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to receive government grants. This accounts for around 10 per cent of ChildFund Australia’s revenue.

Is ChildFund Australia affiliated to religious or other organisations?

ChildFund Australia is not affiliated with any religion, faith or other organisation. ChildFund Australia is a non-discriminatory, independent, not-for-profit organisation, assisting children, families and communities regardless of nationality, gender or religion. We respect the cultures and religions of all the people we help, encouraging spiritual growth only within the context of family and culture, and we do not evangelise.

ChildFund was established in 1938 as the China’s Children Fund and opened its first Australian office in 1985.. As recognition of a growing worldwide focus, to reflect the ethic of helping others and to keep the acronym (CCF), the official name changed to Christian Children’s Fund in 1951. The name was then shortened to CCF Australia before the change to ChildFund Australia in October 2005.

What is ChildFund Australia?

ChildFund Australia is an independent international development organisation that works to reduce poverty for children in developing communities. We work in partnership with children and their communities to create lasting change by supporting long-term community development, responding to humanitarian emergencies and promoting children’s rights. We want every child to be able to say: “I am safe. I am educated. I am heard. I can make a difference. I have a future.”’

ChildFund Australia implements programs with a range of local partners in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and other Pacific nations, and manages projects delivered by partner organisations throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas. Our work is funded through child and community sponsorship, government grants as well as donations from individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate organisations.

ChildFund Australia is a member of the ChildFund Alliance – a global network of 11 organisations which assists more than 14 million children and families in over 60 countries. ChildFund Australia is a registered charity, a member of the Australian Council for International Development, and fully accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which manages the Australian Government’s overseas aid program.