Frequently asked questions for University staff

How do I make a donation?

You can make a donation via a credit card payment, a cheque, a gift in-kind (a non-monetary donation such as art, books, collections, equipment etc), pledge or bequest.There are two ways to make a donation to the University. You can arrange for an automatic payroll deduction through Human Resources. Alternatively you can contact the University of Newcastle Foundation and discuss your wishes.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, providing that your donations bring no material or tangible benefits to you under the rules specified by the Australian Taxation Office, your donation may be tax deductible. (Source: www.ato.gov.au) Donors can claim tax deductions for gifts made to eligible gift recipients. Gifts have the following characteristics:

 

  • There is a transfer of money or property
  • They are made voluntarily
  • The transfer arises by way of benefaction
  • No material benefit or advantage is received by the donor

My donation is only modest, does that matter?

 

Every donation, no matter how small or large, makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

 

What can I support?

 

Staff can make automatic payroll deduction to support three different funds. This includes the Glen Avery Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Family Action Centre or the Endowment Fund. Or you can contact the University of Newcastle Foundation and make a donation to an area that may interest you.

 

  • The Glen Avery Memorial Scholarship Fund

This student scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Glen Avery, a long standing staff member. During 20 years of outstanding service to the University of Newcastle, he touched the lives of many. To honour Glen’s spirit of giving, the University has established the Glen Avery Memorial Scholarship Fund. To recognise Glen’s passion for the arts, his family, friends and colleagues have established this fund to provide for a perpetual scholarship to support a worthy student in the area of the performing arts each year. The scholarship will enable Glen’s spirit of caring and service to others to endure in perpetuity. Many staff members contribute to this scholarship fund.

 

  • Family Action Centre

The Family Action Centre aims to strengthen families and communities by developing and implementing programs and undertaking research and training that promote sustainability, social justice and community leadership. Current programs include the Boys in Schools Program, the Fathers and Families Program, the Caravan Project, Home-Start, Communities for Children (Raymond Terrace and Karuah) and the Brothers Inside project.

 

  • Endowment Fund

An Endowment Fund is a fund for the future. The University of Newcastle Foundation is as keen to attract unspecified funds as it is to attract funds for specific purposes. By receiving unspecified donations, the University can aid projects that are of priority. Funds may also be used to provide scholarships for disadvantaged students.

 

If you wish to donate to any of these funds please use the Staff Voluntary Salary Deduction Form available from Human Resources or download it here.

 

I am a staff member and have recieved donated funds. Which detail codes do I need to use and how do I know whether the money is subject to GST?

 

Below we have outlines the account coles, examples and definittions of payments received and the University department that processes the donation. If you are still unsure please contact Finance for advice.

Donation: goods (i.e. gift in-kind) or financial

Account code: 4501

GST applicable: No, however please not that GST for non-monetary donations is currently under review.

Division to process payment: The University of Newcastle Foundation and Cashiers 

Contribution: financial or non-financail (such as property or other goods) assistance provided to the University based on the expectation that material benefit will be provided.

Account code: 4503 (This account code is used to record money via collections in which a number of people have contributed small amounts of funds towards a fundraising project, or in which people have purchased an item specifically to raise funds to support a particular project such as raffle tickets, fundraising chocolates or entertainment books etc.

GST applicable: Yes, contribution are taxable subject to GST and non-taxable deductions.

Division to process payment: Cashiers

Sponsorship: provides a material benefit to the sponsor, usually in the form of advertising or other services.

Account code: 4504

GST applicable: Yes

Division to process payment: Cashiers

Can a Faculty or School provide the wording to go on a letter of thanks and receipt issued by the University of Newcastle Foundation?

Yes. The University of Newcastle Foundation welcomes the involvement of the Faculty or School in the receipt of donations. Wording can be emailed to the University of Newcastle Foundation at UONFoundation@newcastle.edu.au and arrangements may be made for letters to be signed by an appropriate staff member.