This guidance is an overview of fundraising laws and regulations in New South Wales. For more detailed information about fundraising laws and regulations in New South Wales, please consult the relevant regulatory agencies.
Fundraising in New South Wales (NSW) is regulated by NSW Fair Trading.
Charitable fundraising
NSW Fair Trading regulates charitable fundraising activities under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW), and Charitable Fundraising Regulation 2021 (NSW).
Under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW), soliciting or receiving money, property or other benefits constitute a 'fundraising appeal' if the appeal is for a charitable purpose or for the support of an organisation having a charitable object. It is important to note that NSW Fair Trading’s definition of a charitable purpose is different from the legal definition of charity the ACNC applies when registering organisations as charities at the federal level.
Fundraising registration
Registered charities are automatically taken to hold a ‘deemed authority’ in NSW once they notify the ACNC that they intend to fundraise in NSW. A deemed authority has no fixed term – there is no need to apply for or renew a licence as long as the charity remains registered with the ACNC.
Organisations applying to register as a charity can notify the ACNC that they intend to fundraise in NSW in the registration application form.
Charities that are already registered should use the 2026 Annual Information Statement to notify the ACNC that they intend to fundraise in NSW.
All charities need to do is tick the box that says "Our charity fundraises online or in NSW, or will in the future" in the state and territory reporting section, and the ACNC will notify NSW Fair Trading on the charity’s behalf. Charities that fundraise online, or plan to in the future should also tick this box.
Charities need to continue to meet their ACNC registration, reporting and record-keeping obligations. They also must comply with NSW charitable fundraising laws.
For more information, see NSW Fair Trading’s guidance on charitable fundraising.
Community gaming
NSW Fair Trading also regulates community gaming under the Community Gaming Act 2018 (NSW) and the Community Gaming Regulation 2020 (NSW).
Community gaming includes housie, bingo, lotteries, sweeps, raffles and Calcutta events.
Visit the NSW Fair Trading website for more information about community gaming.