The end of the financial year is one of the busiest periods for charitable giving, and a timely opportunity to make your philanthropy go further.
Whether you’re considering a last-minute contribution, reflecting on your giving goals, or thinking about engaging family members in the process, now is the perfect moment to take stock.
To help you make the most of your Fund in the lead-up to June 30, our team has pulled together five practical tips. From tax planning and strategic granting to long-term thinking, here’s how you can maximise your impact.
1. Make a tax-deductible contribution
EOFY is an ideal time to top up your Fund. Contributions are tax-deductible for the financial year they’re received – a valuable opportunity to manage your tax while growing your Fund for the causes you care about.
One of the unique benefits of giving through a Named Fund is flexibility. You can contribute now and take your time to plan your giving – whether that means supporting your favourite organisations over the coming months or saving for a major impact opportunity down the track. In the meantime, your funds are responsibly invested for people and the planet.
EOFY can be a natural time to connect with loved ones and reflect on what matters most
2. Engage your family
Philanthropy can be at its most rewarding when shared. EOFY can be a natural time to connect with loved ones and reflect on what matters most. Consider gathering with your family to talk about the impact you want to have together.
Your Fund is a great platform for building intergenerational giving habits. Many Fundholders encourage younger family members to make contributions, suggest grant recipients, or help shape the Fund’s focus areas. This is a meaningful way to instil values, foster generosity, and create a shared vision for your family’s legacy.
By granting after EOFY, you can support organisations when they may need it most and make more considered decisions
3. Grant strategically
Many charities receive a surge of donations around EOFY but face quieter periods in the second half of the year – just when they’re reviewing budgets, identifying funding gaps, and planning for the future. By granting after EOFY, you can support organisations when they may need it most and make more considered decisions about where your funds can have the greatest impact.
Another advantage is that your Named Fund has no annual distribution requirement. Unlike private ancillary funds and other donor-advised fund providers, which require you to grant 4–5% each financial year, you have the flexibility to grant on your own timeline. ACF as a Foundation is required to distribute at least 4% of its corpus annually – and we always grant well above this.
This flexibility allows you to be more strategic – whether that means funding urgent needs, supporting long-term change, or planning multi-year grants that offer your partners greater stability.
4. Cover eligible Fund expenses
Have you spent time this year promoting your Fund, fundraising, or undertaking research? If so, you might be able to use your Fund to cover some of the reasonable costs associated with those activities.
We understand that some Fundholders take a hands-on approach to their giving. If you’ve incurred any expenses related to the administration of your Fund – like hosting a fundraising event or commissioning research – chat to us before 30 June. We may be able to reimburse approved costs, provided they directly relate to your Fund’s purpose and don’t exceed 10 per cent of the Fund’s balance at the end of the previous financial year. Learn more
5. Plan for next year and beyond
Feeling rushed to finalise your EOFY giving? You’re not alone. That’s why many Fundholders set up recurring contributions through their Fund’s donation page – helping to spread giving throughout the year. Some also commit to recurring or multi-year grants, which can provide your grant partners with stability and allow you to plan more effectively.
EOFY is an ideal time to reflect on your longer-term goals. Booking a Fund Review is a great way to check in with our team, explore your giving strategy, and plan for the future of your Fund – whether that includes engaging the next generation, scaling your impact, or considering a legacy gift.
Need support with your EOFY giving?
Our team is here to help you get the most out of your Fund. Contact us to discuss your options or book a Fund Review today.
