Section 83c Guidelines for Parent Groups
This brochure is all about how P&F associations and other parent bodies in our Catholic schools need to comply with requirements of section 83C of the Education Act NSW when it comes to fundraising and finances.
For example, P&F associations must ensure that
a) donations are used solely for the school and not for other purposes;
b) payments to related parties are recorded and at reasonable market value;
c) payments cannot be made to members of school governing bodies (such as directors of the school board or members of the school council).
A school that does not comply with section 83C may be declared to be ‘operating for profit’ by the Minister under section 83D of the Act (a for-profit declaration), with consequences such as government financial assistance being cancelled and the Minister taking action to recover past funding (during any period the school was determined to be operating for profit).
It is also important to note that Catholic schools are governed by the requirements of Canon Law.
In particular, when receiving donations, schools and P&F associations must observe Canon 1300, which requires the intentions of those who give donations to be carefully observed.
In other words, if you promote a fundraising activity for the purpose of supporting the school, then the donation can only be used for that purpose.
Find out more by downloading the 'Catholic School P&F Associations and Section 83C' brochure here.