Industry
Not For Profit
Governance, tax and commercial advisory for charities, foundations and NFP entities.
Sector Overview
How we support not for profit clients.
Not-for-profit entities operate under governance, tax and regulatory frameworks distinct from the commercial sector. The ACNC framework, DGR endorsement, fundraising rules, governance standards and the particular fiduciary obligations of NFP directors combine to create a specific operating environment that demands sector-specific advice.
Corson Fiske advises charities, foundations, private ancillary funds, public benevolent institutions and a range of other NFP entities on establishment, compliance, governance and the commercial matters they increasingly face.
Our work is grounded in the specific legal and tax architecture of the Australian NFP sector, and delivered by partners who understand both the mission orientation and the commercial discipline that modern NFPs require.
Capabilities in this sector
- ACNC registration and compliance
- DGR endorsement and tax concessions
- Private ancillary fund establishment
- Governance frameworks and board advisory
- Fundraising law and compliance
- Commercial contracts and partnerships
- Mergers, collaborations and wind-ups
- Employment and volunteer matters
Client Situations
When clients engage us.
The issues that bring clients through our door tend to fall into familiar patterns.
A new charity or foundation is being established
Structure, governance and tax endorsements all need to be put in place correctly.
A governance issue has arisen
The ACNC or a stakeholder has raised concerns about governance or conduct.
A collaboration or merger is being considered
Two or more NFPs are exploring closer working arrangements or a full merger.
A commercial arrangement needs review
An MOU, partnership or commercial agreement requires sector-appropriate review.
Outcomes
What you can expect.
- Compliant and tax-effective NFP structures
- Governance frameworks that protect the entity and its directors
- Successful mergers and collaborations
- Commercial arrangements that align with charitable purpose
Why Corson Fiske
Experience where it counts.
Clients engage Corson Fiske because they need advice they can act on — delivered by senior practitioners who understand both the technical detail and the commercial consequences. Every engagement is led by a partner with direct experience in this sector.
Our integrated structure means tax, legal, accounting and advisory questions are resolved within a single firm. For clients operating across Australia, Asia, New Zealand or Asia, our office network in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Singapore and Auckland provides consistent advice across jurisdictions.
Our Approach
A refined four-phase method for every engagement.
Corson Fiske applies the same disciplined framework to every matter, regardless of scale. The phases below are not a marketing device — they are the actual structure our partners use to move clients from uncertainty to resolution.
Phase One
01
Understand
A confidential partner-led briefing to establish the facts, commercial drivers, timing pressures and stakeholder dynamics.
- Confidential scoping conversation
- Document and data review
- Stakeholder mapping
- Initial risk identification
Phase Two
02
Analyse
Structured technical and commercial analysis of every realistic option, with a clear view of risks, costs and likely outcomes.
- Technical legal and tax analysis
- Commercial modelling
- Risk-weighted options assessment
- Precedent and market benchmarking
Phase Three
03
Recommend
A written partner recommendation in plain English — not a list of caveats. We stand behind our advice and explain our reasoning.
- Clear written recommendation
- Implementation sequencing
- Stakeholder communication plan
- Contingency and fallback positions
Phase Four
04
Execute
Hands-on delivery of the agreed plan with partner oversight, regular milestone reporting and clear handback at completion.
- Implementation leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Milestone tracking and reporting
- Completion review and handback
Get the right advice from Corson Fiske.
Confidential, no-obligation initial consultations with a partner who specialises in this sector.