Fundraising activity refers to any activity which aims to collect money for, or on behalf of a Registered Charity Organisation.
Fun runs and festivals
Fun runs, festivals and charity broadcasts in public spaces and parks are all terrific ways to promote your cause. Any event held in public in the City of Melbourne needs an event permit.
See Organising an event for more information.
Doorknocks
Council approval is not required for doorknocks. However, consent is still required from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Fundraising on Melbourne's streets
Approval via a Fundraising Permit must be obtainned from the City of Melbourne prior to any fundraising activities taking place on the footways or at intersections within the municipality. There is no fee for a Fundraising Permit.
An organisation must be registered with (or received an exemption from) Consumer Affairs Victoria prior to applying for a Fundraising Permit. Registration generally takes 28 days, please contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for more information.
For more information visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Each Registerd Charity Organisation may only collect funds within the central business district at six of the 26 specified locations per day, for a maximum of 40 days per year.
For more information on the 26 specified locations refer to the central fundraising intersection locations map (PDF, 1.1MB)
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A Registerd Charity Organisation wishing to conduct a collection at an intersection must also obtain consent from Victoria Police. This must be done at least 28 days prior to the proposed collection date.
For more information visit Victoria Police.
Please note if your fundraising activity involves the sellings of goods, you will require to obtain a permit for temporary street trading.
For more information on locations and full terms and conditions please see the Fundraising application form.
Approved applicants are to obtain, and maintain during the life of the permit, Public Liability Insurance of greater than $10 million which lists the City of Melbourne as an interested party. A copy of the cover must be submitted with the application.
Requirements for the Bourke Street Mall charity site
Fundraisers with approval to operate at the Bourke Street Mall charity site must:
- not operate outside the designated area
- keep doorways, entrances and tram tracks clear at all times
- ensure any table or like structure being used in conjunction with the activity occupies an area no greater than 2 m by 1 m
- not have more than two chairs in association with this activity
- not use any amplification
- not set up a stage or similar structure without prior consent from the City of Melbourne.
Apply for a fundraising permit
Download the Fundraising Permit application (PDF, 906kb)
Download the Fundraising Permit application (text only, 64kb)
Please note: only use the text version if you are a user of screen reader software and cannot view the PDF version.
Regulation
The City of Melbourne monitors any illegal fundraising activity by requesting proof of permit. Bogus organisations or people masquerading as charitable collectors are liable for prosecution.
City of Melbourne Street Compliance Officers and certain Victoria Police Officers are authorised to enforce part 5.1 of the Activities Local Law. An infringement penalty for soliciting / collecting for money, subscription or selling a raffle ticket without a permit may be issued.
If you have further questions or would like to provide comment or feedback about this permit, contact the City of Melbourne on (03) 9658 9658 or Contact us online.