No matter what amount of money donors are giving, whether they be large corporates or foundations, or ‘mum and dad donors’ who give small but often, people are savvy and want to feel their money is being used wisely.

This need for transparency and reporting was one of the drivers of the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, better known as the ACNC.  If you’re not familiar with the commission, not only can organisations be registered, be monitored and receive education, but donors of all sizes can search and assess the suitability of the target of their support.

Recently, the transparency of the high profile Shane Warne Foundation has come under public scrutiny when it appeared that only 16 cents in every dollar has been distributed to the intended recipients, “seriously ill and underprivileged children in Australia.”

Many large and private trusts and foundations prefer to keep their details close to their chest for a range of reasons such as to prevent excessive requests for support or simply because they prefer to keep their giving quiet and private and for no other reason.  As allowed under ACNC regulations, the Shane Warne foundation had asked that its details be withheld for publication, however the ACNC ruled the details should be public “in the interests of transparency”.

Reports in the media last weekend alleged the foundation had only been donating 16c for every dollar raised to institutions that care for sick and underprivileged children.

Warne refuted the claim on his Facebook page stating “We have raised 7.8 million dollars so far, our total give to over 125 different children’s charities will be 4.1 million dollars & that equates to 51-52% of revenue raised we have given away to those charities.”

The list of founders, the Board, the Patrons and supporters reads like the who’s who of cricket and entertainment. James Packer is also involved. As the saying goes, throw enough mud and some will stick, and those associated will also bear the consequences of this negative attention.

“One man’s transparency is another’s humiliation.” – Gerry Adams

Consumer Affairs Australia is “concerned about a number of inconsistencies in The Shane Warne Foundation’s reporting and accounting practices and is looking into this matter” and the foundation seem to be blaming staff turnover and record keeping as the source of the confusion.

What lessons can we learn? Sadly regardless of how high profile the team behind any charity, it doesn’t guarantee good systems, financial control or good governance.  The treasurer’s role and responsibility remains the same, and accurate record keeping and reporting is not just an expectation but compulsory.

No matter the size of the organisation or the profile of the people involved, the Board are just as responsible for governance and transparency. The rules are the same for all, but in reality the higher the profile the greater the scrutiny from the public.

If you don’t want to end up in hot water like Shane Warne (we know you won’t!), or your volunteer treasurer or Board needs help with their record keeping, consider our 55 day free trial and see how much easier it can be.