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The ACNC: How We Help You

Get an inside look at the ACNC’s role and responsibilities so your registered charity gets the support and benefits it needs.

784 enrolled on this course

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  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    1 hour

What is the ACNC and what is its role?

Charting a path for good involves understanding the big picture and knowing where to start. When it comes to operating and managing Australian charities, this can be very challenging.

One of the most essential issues is understanding and properly utilising the ACNC. This two-week course is the perfect introduction to Australia’s charity regulator.

Gain a better understanding of the charity sector

As the national regulator, the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) has specific functions within the charity sector.

On this course, you’ll learn exactly what falls inside and outside the ACNC’s area of regulatory responsibility, and what kind of support it can offer Australian charities.

You’ll see the general benefits to being a registered charity and also what the specific benefits for your organisation are.

Learn how the ACNC can help your registered charity

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the ACNC’s regulatory approach including how the regulator chooses to provide support and ensures compliance.

Understanding the ACNC’s activities (and the benefits those activities provide) will give you clear insights into how it can help your registered charity, and into how to actually apply for the benefits that are relevant to your situation.

Get exclusive insights into the ACNC from those who really know

The ACNC is the national regulator of charities. They register and regulate Australia’s many charities and help charities understand and meet their obligations through information, advice, and guidance.

Their staff are experts in their fields and up-to-date with current and emerging trends in charity law and the charity sector.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to the ACNC

    • Introduction to the ACNC

      Overview of how the ACNC fits into the charity and not-for-profit sector in Australia.

    • The ACNC is the national regulator of registered charities

      This section covers the purposes and activities of the ACNC and, most importantly, how these help you and your charity.

    • What does the ACNC have the power to do?

      As the national regulator, the ACNC has certain powers. Learn what we can (and can't) do and how your charity will interact with us.

  • Week 2

    The benefits of ACNC registration

    • The ACNC's approach to regulating charities

      Our approach is to provide guidance and support to help charities get back on track. We only take enforcement action when things are serious. Know where your charity stands and what to expect if things go wrong.

    • The benefits of ACNC registration

      Registering your charity with the ACNC has many benefits. Find out what they are.

    • Next steps

      Want to continue learning but not sure where to turn? Want to get a Certificate for completing this course? This section shows you how.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and its role in the sector
  • Identify what does and does not fall withing the ACNC’s area of regulatory responsibility
  • Describe the ACNC’s purposes and activities how these can help you and your charity
  • Explain the ACNC’s regulatory approach including support and compliance
  • Summarise the benefits of registering charities with the ACNC and assess how these benefits may apply to your charity

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in understanding the registered charity and not-for-profit sector in Australia, including how the ACNC fits in and where to start accessing the benefits available to registered organisations.

Who will you learn with?

Rachel Gear is the ACNC's Instructional Designer and Lead Educator for the eLearning Program. She's committed to designing and teaching accessible and relevant professional development for adults.

Rachel Smith is the Director of Advice Services, Education and Public Affairs, and is the Director behind the ACNC’s eLearning program. She’s been with the ACNC since it started.

Who developed the course?

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national regulator of charities. We register and regulate Australia’s many charities. We help charities understand and meet their obligations through information, advice and guidance. We help the public understand the work of the charity sector and provide a free searchable register of Australian registered charities.

  • Established

    2012
  • Location

    Melbourne, Victoria

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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