Archived: Global Aid Network Incorporated: mini-charity review

Mini-charity review of Global Aid Network Incorporated (GAN) an organisation that invites the public to donate to it, and that is connected, through Robert Rawson, to the CMA Standards C0uncil, Christian Management Australia’s ‘major new initiative, accrediting Christian organisations against a set of standards of good governance, financial oversight, and fundraising ethics.’

(Including the answers to the questions that the Australian charity regulator, the ACNC, suggests that you ask.)

Is it responsive to feedback?

• When sent a draft of this review, on 1 April 2017, the ACNC contact responded the same day to say that what I had written wasn’t true, and requested that publication be deferred until he returned to the office in three weeks. Upon his return he said that there was nothing that needed changing and declined the opportunity to submit a comment for publication.

Is it registered?

• Yes, as a charity.
• Other registrations:
  • GAN is a New South Wales incorporated association (NSW INC9880886).
    • It doesn’t appear to be connected with the private ancillary fund Global Aid Foundation and its trustee Global Aid Foundation Pty Ltd. Or these entities that are not charities: Global Aid Warehouse Pty Ltd and Global Aid Zone Incorporated.
  • GAN trades under the name GAIN, but this is not a business name. And unavailable – ASIC says that it is identical to two names that are already registered.
  • GAN operates, per the ACNC Register, in New South Wales. It also raises money on the internet. It has a fundraising licences in NSW, but not any of the other six states that have a licensing regime^[1].

What does GAN do?

• Described here.

Do they share the Gospel?

• Although not being included under ‘About us’, it appears, from this newsletter, and this description of what humanitarian aid means to them, that they do share the Gospel.

What impact are they having?

• Nothing systematic found.

What do they spend outside the costs directly incurred in delivering the above impact, that is, on administration?

• No financial statements have been lodged – it is voluntary for GAN – but the financial information in the AIS 2016 shows that $87K was spent to give $35K in grants.

Can you get a tax deduction?

• No

Is their online giving secure?

• If security is mentioned, it is after you enter your personal details.

What choices do you have in how your donation is used?

• ‘Join a Medical Mission Team in 2016 (sic) – $3000’
• ‘Sponsor a Medical Mission Team member – $1000’
• ‘Provide solar lighting for one house in Bihar, India – $500’
• ‘Purchase medicine for Medical Missions – $200’
• ‘Contribute to rebuilding in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan _ $100’
• ‘Donate a different amount’

Is their reporting up-to-date?

• Yes (four and a half months after their year-end).

Does their reporting comply with the regulator’s requirements?

• Annual Information Statement 2016 (AIS 2016): Almost – no outcomes are reported.
• Financial Report 2016: Yes
  • As a Small charity, no Financial Report is required, and GAN has not chosen to lodge one voluntarily.

What financial situation was shown in that Report?

• No Report, but from the AIS 2016:
  • ‘Other revenue/receipts’ are 75% of income, ‘Donations and bequests’ the other 25%
  • ‘Other expenses/payments’ are 2.5 times ‘Grants and donations made…’ (all overseas).
  • Surplus as a percentage of revenue was 7%.
  • Assets are 2.9 times liabilities.

What did the auditor say about the last financial statements?

• NA

If a charity, is their page on the ACNC Register complete?

• Yes.
  • But Global Aid Network is neither a trading name or a business name, and the other name they list, (GAIN) Australia is not a business name (and not quite the trading name either).

Who are the people controlling the organisation?

• Not shown on the website.
• ‘Responsible Persons’ on the ACNC Register:
  • Taciano Bantatua
    • Is it this Taciano Bantatua?
  • Phillip Anthony Cuming
    • Is it this Phillip Cuming?
  • Allan Drew
    • Is it this Allan Drew?
  • William John Hodgson
    • Is it this William Hodgson?
  • John Joseph
  • Jiji Skariah
  • Robert Rawson
  • Robert is a director of Christian Ministry Advancement Ltd, the organisation that is introducing a set of standards for Christian organisations, compliance with which will allow display of the CMA Standards Council seal.

To whom is GAN accountable?

• To the ACNC.
• And to the New South Wales regulator of associations.

1. Opinions vary on whether an internet invitation qualifies as ‘fundraising’. ↑