Donors given freedom to improve learning opportunities

Schools in need can now use charitable donations to help improve educational opportunities for their students with Australian Schools Plus (ASP) receiving deductible gift recipient (DGR).

ASP is a national philanthropic fund established to encourage private and corporate donations for schools in need.

Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Chrsitopher Pyne MP welcomed the announcement today and congratulated ASP.

“This decision will allow schools in need to access community support and provide greater opportunities for their students,” Mr Pyne said.

“Schools are at the heart of our local communities but until now their ability to attract tax-deductible donations has been restricted.

“Granting DGR status to Australian Schools Plus, will make it easy for schools to put donations to better use by providing the best educational opportunities for students who need it most.”

Australian Schools Plus will now be able to give donors the flexibility to direct their tax-deductible gifts towards projects that address the broad range of issues facing disadvantaged schools.

“ASP’s work goes hand-in-hand with the Australian Government’s Students First approach, which focuses on providing practical ways for schools, parents and communities to make real improvements for students,” Mr Pyne said.

DGR status is given to organisations entitled to receive income tax-deductible gifts and tax-deductible contributions. DGR organisations must be either endorsed by the ATO or listed by name in the income tax law.