Our latest insights

Over time, governments have shifted away from the direct provision of certain community services, instead commissioning them through a competitive market largely serviced by not-for-profit (NFP) organisations.

Against a backdrop of rising cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty, Not for Profits (NFPs) are facing increasingly complex challenges to maintain financial sustainability. With public expectations rising, funding pathways under strain, and operational costs climbing, many organisations are being forced to reassess how they operate. While the pressures are real, this also creates an opportunity to rethink collaboration, strengthen governance and build long-term resilience.

Australian charities are feeling the pinch of rising costs and increased demand as over 3.3m people live in poverty. From streamlining operations to diversifying funding streams and using technology like AI, leaders are finding ways to meet rising demand and stay resilient in today’s cost-of-living crisis.

Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation offering secondary education scholarships to Australian schools for First Nations students. The organisation champions the value of education and nurtures an encouraging community for students to thrive in their studies.

The Health and Aged Care industry faces continued uncertainty, but following the Federal Budget announcements on 14 May, improvements are expected.

Ten years after the implementation of the Living Longer. Living Better Reforms, the aged care sector braces for more change. With the Federal Budget on the horizon, it will be interesting to see what considerations are given to a sector that faces continued uncertainty.

From 1 July 2024, revised tax rates will affect NFP salary packaging. Despite reduced rates impacting tax savings, employees should still see savings, varying by income and salary packaging arrangements.

New return requirements and DGR reviews in the not-for-profit sector now require non-charity organisations to submit annual tax-exempt status reviews to the ATO.

The Aged Care Taskforce (ACTF) has released its final report. Its clear focus is on improving sustainability and ensuring fairness. The final report described twelve funding principles which fall into the categories of supporting older people as they age, equitable and sustainable funding, quality innovation, and transparency.

In this episode John Picot, Chairperson of the Grant Thornton Foundation, Christina Molina and Jennifer Lobb from headspace, and Sean Douglas from Special Olympics discuss what makes them so passionate about the social sector, how the community can support their organisations, as well as the stigmas and misconceptions around mental health and diversity and inclusion.

To help shape the future of giving in Australia, the Productivity Commission recently released a draft report that dives into the current state, challenges, and opportunities in the philanthropy space. The report underscores the significance of philanthropy and volunteering in fostering social capital, trust, and innovation in the community sector, while addressing challenges with a view to unlock its full potential.

The Aged Care Taskforce (ACTF) is evaluating aged care funding mechanisms. In response to this review, Grant Thornton, in collaboration with banks, Private Equity firms and a small group of providers, prepared this report for the ACTF to describe the aged care sector in terms of its capital needs and suggests ways to make it an attractive investment sector compared to other industries.