Service Charge Policy

Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd. (RAWCS) was formed to enable Australian Rotarians, Rotary Districts and Rotary Clubs to assist disadvantaged communities and individuals through humanitarian aid projects.

RAWCS has a financial infrastructure system that facilitates fundraising for projects that deliver humanitarian aid and charitable support in Australia and overseas. Projects are registered through Rotary Australia Overseas Aid Fund (RAOAF), Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) incorporating Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG), Rotary Australia Relief Fund (RARF), Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) and Repurposing Equipment.

RAWCS could be likened to a trust account, where funds are held and then directed to registered projects. RAWCS assists with project planning and handles regulatory requirements thereby minimising the risks associated with fundraising and the management of funds.

RAWCS has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) registration and has been listed as a Charitable Fund that can accept tax deductible donations from individuals and organisations.

From the 1 July 2018 all donations will be subject to a service charge of 2.75% (2.5% plus GST).

This rate compares favourably with the service charges of similar organisations, which are generally between 5% and 10%. This change will ensure RAWCS’ long-term financial sustainability and high standard of project facilitation.

Large corporate donors and philanthropic organisations have previously used RAWCS services to take advantage of our DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status and paid services charges on donations. This allowed services to be provided to Rotarians, Rotary Clubs and Rotary Districts at no charge. Recently, however, a number of these organisations have received DGR status from the government. This has resulted in a dramatic drop in this RAWCS income stream.

The delivery of all services has costs associated. For RAWCS to continue its high standard of project service delivery and accountability the Board has resolved to end the exemption previously given to Rotarians and Rotary Clubs. Thank you for your understanding.