Key terms

The collective term for the First Nations peoples of Australia, including Aboriginal peoples from mainland Australia and Tasmania, and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

A formal statement or gesture that recognises and pays respect to the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which an event, meeting, or gathering takes place. It is a way of showing respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their heritage, and their continuing connection to and responsibility for the land, water, and culture.

Refers to organisations which have substantial influence in place and their communities, usually through a combination of being largescale employers, purchasers of goods and services, and landowners. Anchor institutions are often non-profit organisations such as universities, hospitals, and local government entities.

A meeting of the general membership of an organisation, required by law or by the constitution, charter, or by-laws governing the body.

A legal document containing all the rules and regulations that forms the governance of the company, including an asset lock. This document can be amended retrospectively.

A financial benefit recorded on a balance sheet, including properties, claims for money owed, cash, inventories, and property rights.

A feature of governance documents that ensures if the organisation stops running, any assets owned by the organisation are given to other community or public groups who may benefit from them and can't be sold to benefit any individual. Most non-profit organisations have an asset lock embedded in their legal structure.

A form of address used in relation to older Aboriginal women to show respect. It is also important in kinship relations. Aunt is the more formal address and Aunty is the more familiar. Female Elders in Aboriginal Communities are usually addressed as Aunt or Aunty. If unsure how to address people, it is alright to ask what they would prefer to be called.

A unique 11-digit number that identifies a business to the government and community. It is required to register for GST, claim GST credits, and apply for an Australian domain name.

The national regulator of charities in Australia. It registers organisations as charities and helps them understand and meet their obligations.

Australia's corporate, markets, and financial services regulator. It regulates companies, financial markets, and financial services organisations and professionals.

A snapshot of an organisation's assets and liabilities at a single point in time.

The individuals or groups that benefit from an organisation's activities, who may or may not be the same as its customers.

A formal, written document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and operating procedures of an organisation’s board. The board charter serves as a guiding framework for the board, setting out its purpose, composition, authority, and accountability. It typically covers topics such as the board's strategic oversight role, its legal and fiduciary duties, the separation of roles between the board and management, and the processes for board meetings, decision-making, and performance evaluation.

A person who jointly supervises the activities of an organisation as part of a governing board, which can be for a for-profit business, non-profit organisation, or a government agency.

A group of individuals elected or appointed to oversee a company’s activities, set policies and strategies, and make decisions on major issues. Depending on the organisational/legal structure, a Board of Directors may be interchanged with a Board of Trustees.

A group of individuals elected or appointed to oversee the governance, strategic direction, and fiduciary responsibilities of a non-profit organisation, such as a charity, foundation, or educational institution.

A formal contract to repay borrowed money with interest at fixed intervals, similar to a loan.

The rate at which an organisation uses or consumes money, indicating when it will run out of funds and helping manage sustainability.

A description of how an organisation creates, delivers, and captures value. It outlines the products or services offered, the target customers, the methods used to reach and serve those customers, and the ways in which the organisation generates revenue and manages costs.

Organisations that provide training, mentoring, and resources to help social entrepreneurs and social enterprises develop and grow. May include consulting firms, support agencies, and education providers.

The process of developing and strengthening the skills, capabilities, mindsets, processes, and resources that organisations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a changing world.

Financial resources or money, including the cash and other assets held by an organisation.

The total amount of money flowing into and out of an organisation.

An official process where a person, product, or organisation is evaluated and recognised as meeting specific standards or criteria. It often involves receiving a certificate or other proof that verifies the qualifications or quality of the subject being certified.

The highest-ranking executive in an organisation, responsible for making major decisions, managing operations and resources, and acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors and the organisation.

An economic system that focuses on reducing waste and making the most of resources by reusing, recycling, and regenerating products and materials. Instead of the traditional "take-make-dispose" model, a circular economy aims to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, minimising environmental impact.

A group of people who share a common interest or set of challenges who come together to share, learn, and create new knowledge in order to fulfil both individual and collective goals.

A resource, facility, or service that benefits a local community and improves the quality of life for its residents. These assets can be tangible, such as parks, libraries, or community centres, or intangible, like social networks, cultural heritage, or local knowledge and skills. Community assets are often owned and run by the community itself.

A process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. It involves building and strengthening the social, economic, and environmental well-being of a community through initiatives that empower residents, foster collaboration, and create positive change from within.

An approach to economic development that focuses on creating and maintaining wealth within local communities. This involves supporting locally owned businesses, investing in community assets, and ensuring that economic benefits are shared equitably among residents. The goal is to build resilient, sustainable communities that can withstand economic challenges and provide opportunities for all.

A common legal structure for not-for-profit organisations in Australia. The liability of members is limited to the amount they agree to contribute if the company is wound up.

A situation where an individual has a personal or other interest that may influence their decision-making, conflicting with their duty to act in the organisation's best interests.

A legal document that represents the rule book for the way in which an organisation will operate, containing information about the organisation's purposes and how it will achieve them.

The circumstances, conditions, or setting in which something exists or occurs. Context includes the social, cultural, historical, political, economic, and environmental factors that shape and influence a particular situation, event, or phenomenon. Understanding context is essential for making sense of complex issues and designing appropriate solutions.

A commitment to take an action, made legally binding by inclusion in a contract's terms.

Strategies and approaches used by mainstream businesses that contribute to sustainable development by reducing harm and delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits for stakeholders.

Large companies that engage with social enterprises through partnerships, procurement, investment, and corporate social responsibility programs.

The principal legislation regulating companies in Australia. It covers matters such as the formation and operation of companies, duties of officers, and fundraising.

The land, waterways, and sky that are inextricably linked to Indigenous culture, identity, and spirituality. It encompasses the environment, animals, plants, and people, and is central to Indigenous worldviews and ways of life.

Shared facilities that provide affordable workspace and community for social entrepreneurs and enterprises.

The ability to understand, communicate, and effectively interact with people across cultures, particularly in the context of working with Indigenous communities. It involves being aware of one's own cultural worldview, developing positive attitudes towards cultural differences, and gaining knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews.

Refers to individuals or groups who are disadvantaged or excluded due to their cultural background, race, or ethnicity. This marginalisation can result in limited access to opportunities, resources, and social power within society.

An environment that is spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically safe for Indigenous people, where there is no assault, challenge, or denial of their identity, of who they are, and what they need. It is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge, and experience, of learning, living and working together with dignity and truly listening.

Investment with the expectation of repayment, usually as loans (secured or unsecured), overdrafts, or standby facilities, requiring repayment with interest and sometimes an arrangement fee.

The process of dismantling colonial systems, structures, and ideologies that have oppressed and marginalised Indigenous peoples and cultures. It involves recognizing and challenging the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, and working to restore the sovereignty, self-determination, and cultural integrity of colonised peoples.

An organisation or fund that can receive tax-deductible gifts. DGR endorsement is a concession under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) and is administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

The process of assigning specific decision-making powers or responsibilities from a higher level of authority to a lower level within an organisation. When an authority is delegated, the person or group receiving the authority (the delegatee) is empowered to make decisions or take actions on behalf of the person or group granting the authority (the delegator), within defined limits and guidelines. Delegated authorities are used to improve efficiency, responsiveness, and accountability within an organisation, by allowing decisions to be made closer to the point of impact or expertise.

Individuals who lead or supervise the whole or a particular area of an organisation. Executive directors engage in day-to-day management, while Non-Executive directors contribute to the board without direct operational responsibility.

A sum of money paid (usually annually) by a company to its shareholders from profits.