Raising money, advertising and promotions
Most community organisations need to advertise their services, and to raise money for their activities. This section of the PilchConnect website looks at some of the common legal issues which may arise for Victorian community organisations when advertising and raising money.
Advertising
There are special laws and codes in Australia that apply to all advertising, including advertising by not-for-profits and community organisations.
The laws of advertising apply to traditional advertising like TV commercials and newspaper advertisements, but also extend to signage, social media and even conversations.
Getting advertising wrong can lead to a breach of the law, and can damage the reputation of your organisation.
The PilchConnect fact sheet on Advertising in Australia provides an overview of the different laws that apply, and practical tips to help your organisation comply.
Regulated activities
Many activities that groups can undertake to raise money are regulated, and groups may need permits or licences to undertake these activities.
Key activies covered in this section include:
- fundraising activities - which includes requesting donations for yourself or someone else's benefit, selling merchandise where some or all of profits will go towards a cause or organisation, or holding events to raise money. There are special laws that apply to all fundrasising activities
- trade promotions - which are competitions where there is no (or minimal cost) to enter, or entry is granted when a person purchases a product or ticket to an event and a prize is offered. Trade promotion prizes can be awarded on chance alone, or include an element of skill such as 'in 25 words or less...'. These promotions can be 'complete a survey and win', door prizes, and other promotional competitions. There are special laws that apply to all trade promotions
- raffles and minor gaming activities (including bingo, gaming nights, lotteries, lucky envelopes, sweepstakes) - where indivuduals purchase a ticket or pay money to enter a game or competition. There are special laws that apply to these activities
- grants and funding - where you organisation approaches grant-giving organisaitons for program funding
- gifts, wills, bequests and endowments - where individuals or organisatiosn provide gifts when to your organisation, or where individual through their will leave a bequest or endowment to your organisation.
Please click on the links for more specific information on these topics.