A statutory definition of charity
Although the following comments have a general application, they are particularly relevant with regard to the definition of a charity as it relates to deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.

Organisations that address specific diseases are able to obtain DGR status as a health promotion charity.  

Organisations promoting health and wellbeing to population groups, such as males, should also be eligible to obtain DGR status as a health promotion charity.  

Although some men’s health organisations and men’s sheds have obtained DGR status, AMHF has not been successful.  There is no consistent approach to the granting of DGR status.

Most trusts and foundations will only consider applications from organisations that have DGR status.  Therefore, obtaining DGR status is particularly important for an organisation such as AMHF, which does not receive any government funding.

The issues regarding men’s health are comprehensively covered in the National Male Health Policy (2010) http://www.health.gov.au/malehealthpolicy 

Based on this government policy, there should be no doubt that not-for-profit organisations that are promoting male health should be considered as health promotion charities.

For additional information contact:
Gary Bryant 
Administrator
Australasian Men’s Health Forum
Phone: 0414 950 902