FAQs
How are donated funds used by Bravehearts?
Bravehearts uses the funds as needed to achieve our strategic goals in pursuit of our Mission to provide a holistic and coordinated approach to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. This includes helping to fund Bravehearts personal safety education for children and young people, and specialist counselling for children and families affected by child sexual abuse.
What happened to White Balloon Day?
Bravehearts Day now replaces White Balloon Day as Bravehearts' primary annual fundraising and awareness day.
White Balloon Day and its legacy is an extremely important part of Bravehearts history. The inaugural White Balloon Day was held over 25 years ago however, and since then attitudes towards the use of balloons have evolved. It is now widely accepted that balloons cause harm to the natural environment and subsequently, Bravehearts cannot in good faith continue to promote their use as part of our cause.
Preventing child sexual abuse and supporting those who are impacted by this crime will always be Bravehearts' priority.
We acknowledge that White Balloon Day holds significant meaning for survivors of child sexual abuse and Bravehearts in no way wishes to detract from this. Though the day has adopted a new name, the essence of the campaign remains.
As Bravehearts itself stands for all survivors and educates, empowers and protects children from child sexual abuse, changing the name to Bravehearts Day was the logical decision.
Bravehearts Day is and always will be about breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, supporting survivors and most importantly, preventing this insidious crime.
Can I get donation receipts?
There are two types of receipts that can be issued by Bravehearts:
1. A non tax-deductible receipt
This is issued when a donor gets something in return for their giving. In other words, a tax deduction isn’t available (and only a non-tax deductable receipt can be issued) if you, for example, receive goods or services from a charity auction or you obtain entry to an event.
2. A tax-deductible receipt
This is issued when a donor receives nothing in return (in other words, for a pure monetary donation). If requested, Bravehearts can provide you with a tax-deductible receipt book for your event or fundraising activity.
When donating over $2 online or via a QR code, the donor will automatically receive a tax-deductible receipt via email.
Note:
- Tax-deductible receipts can only be issued to people who donate $2 or more.
- You cannot claim a personal tax deduction for monies received and/or donated on behalf of others.
- You cannot claim a tax deduction for gifts that are donated to your activity.
Can I get more information about public liability and fundraising legislations?
Understanding your responsibilities, including fundraising laws in your State or Territory, is very important. Depending on what activity you decide to hold, you may need to check with local authorities to make sure you comply with local regulations. To collect money on private property, you will need the owner or landlord’s permission. To solicit donations on the street, you may require a license from your local authority or council. To solicit donations at a local fete or organised community event you may also need to gain permission from the event organiser. It is the responsibility of the community fundraiser to ensure adequate public liability insurance cover is held in relation to your fundraising activity. Public liability insurance may be provided by Bravehearts but only in exceptional circumstances. For fundraising legislations in your state, please read local government requirements here.
How can I deposit the funds I've raised?
There are 2 options:
- Deposit money online to your own fundraising page. You will automatically get a receipt for the full amount of funds deposited.
- Direct deposit - Our bank details:
Account Name: Bravehearts Foundation Limited gift account
BSB Number: 633-000
Acount Number: 130575541
Please send us an email to braveheartsday@bravehearts.org.au after depositing the funds so we can allocate you a donation receipt.
What is my responsibility with handling donated money?
As a community fundraiser, you are responsible for all financial aspects of your activity or event, including record keeping, management of funds and for depositing funds into the nominated Bravehearts bank account within 14 days of the fundraising event.
Please note that Bravehearts is not responsible for any expenses that the community fundraiser may incur or any losses that may occur from an event. As the community fundraiser, it is your responsibility to keep a record of the expenses that have been incurred and deduct the expenses from the funds raised, provided it is appropriately documented.
How do I handle difficult questions during my fundraising journey?
You may be approached during your event by members of the public who have been affected by child sexual abuse in some way or by a survivor of child sexual abuse. In addition, you may be asked detailed and/or confronting questions about our cause. Please use the following guidelines for handling such situations:
- Acknowledge the person.
- Let them know that you are not qualified to give advice and are not a Bravehearts staff member and that the question is a little out of your area of expertise (as a Community Fundraiser).
- Suggest they contact Bravehearts directly with questions or concerns and offer a brochure if you have some. Explain that the best option may be to email Bravehearts through our website so that the appropriate person can answer their questions or concerns.
- Let them know that our website has information and resources and suggest they might want to have a look.
What do I do if a survivor of child sexual abuse discloses to me?
If someone discloses to you during the course of your fundraising, it is important that you acknowledge the survivor for trusting you with the disclosure and let them know that Bravehearts is able to support them (or their child) in the disclosure.
The abuse may have occurred a long time ago and they may not have told many people - if anyone. Please do not provide personal opinions or views as these could be misleading to the survivor and may be in contrast to Bravehearts’ official position. Please review the following guidelines:
- Acknowledge and thank the person for trusting you with the disclosure.
- Let them know that you are not a staff member of Bravehearts and, as a Community Fundraiser, you are not involved in working with survivors. It is important that the person is not dismissed just because you cannot help them.
- Let them know that Bravehearts has a freecall Support Line 1800 272 831, which they may like to call to speak with a qualified counsellor to support them (or their child).
- Suggest they visit our website for more information and resources or offer them an information brochure if you have some.
What do I do if I think a child or young person is being harmed?
IF YOU BELIEVE A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE CALL 000
If a child or adult you know discloses abuse, please contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 (Mon to Fri, 8:30am - 4:30pm AEST). We will be able to provide you with support and advice about how to proceed to protect and support your loved one.
If you have concerns about the current sexual harm of a child, please report this directly to the police or the child protection authority in your state. If you would like advice on this process, please contact our Support Line on 1800 272 831. Bravehearts will always act in the best interests of the child.
I am having issues with my fundraising page. What can I do?
If you are having any problems during your fundraising journey, Bravehearts' staff is here to assist you. Please get in touch via fundraising@bravehearts.org.au
