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                    Fundraising

                    Fundraising permits allow charities to collect funds on footways or intersections within the City of Melbourne.

                    Each charity may apply to fundraise within the central city at six of the 26 specified locations per day, for a maximum of 40 days per year.

                    There is no fee for a fundraising permit.

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                    Methods of fundraising

                    Some of the methods you can use to fundraise in the City of Melbourne include:

                    • Highway collections – to conduct a collection at an intersection must also obtain consent from Victoria Police.
                    • Footpath stalls – to sell goods on footpaths, please apply for a street trading permit.
                    • Fun runs and festivals – to hold a public event, see Organising events.
                    • Doorknocks – City of Melbourne approval is not required for doorknocks. However, consent is still required from Consumer Affairs Victoria.

                    Apply for a fundraising permit

                    In order to register, your charity will need:

                    • evidence of registration with Consumer Affairs
                    • a certificate of currency for public liability insurance, for a value of at least $20 million. Find out more about our public liability insurance requirements

                    All documentation for registrations must be in the name of the charity (including instances where charities are represented by agents).

                    The charity’s public liability insurance must be maintained for the life of the permit. To keep your insurance up to date, upload a new certificate of currency to your registration.

                    Once your charity’s registration has been approved, you can log in and apply for permits to fundraise at any of the 26 locations across the City of Melbourne. Your permits will be issued immediately by email and a copy stored in your registration online.

                    If you experience any technical difficulties with your permit application, please contact the Permits team on 03 9658 9658.

                    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 notice for soliciting/collecting for money, subscription or selling a raffle ticket without a permit may be issued.

                    Report an issue

                    You can report an issue involving fundraising activity in a public place via the form below.

                    Frequently asked questions

                    Fundraising

                    Why do I need to register as a fundraiser with City of Melbourne?

                    ​The registration process allows the City of Melbourne to confirm that charities applying for fundraising permits are registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria and have appropriate insurance.

                    My company acts as an agent for a charity to raise funds on their behalf. Can I apply for fundraising permits?

                    As permits are issued in the name of the charity, agents will not be able to create a registration in their own name.

                    Charities may opt to provide their agents with access to their registration, but are responsible for the activities and permits issued in their name.

                    My agent collects funds on our charity's behalf. Why do we have to supply a certificate of currency?

                    Each permit is issued in the charity’s name, so public liability insurance must be in the name of the permit holder. Charities must be satisfied that companies fundraising on their behalf also have current and adequate public liability insurance.


                    My charity doesn't have public liability insurance. Can I still get a permit to fundraise?

                    All charities must have public liability insurance to fundraise on footpaths in the City of Melbourne. Their insurance must be current at the date of application, as well as for the life of the permit.


                    I don’t have a computer. Do I have to apply for fundraising permits online?

                    All permit applications must be submitted online. If you do not have a computer, we suggest that you use a computer at the Melbourne Town Hall or a library in order to apply.


                    How far in advance of my activity date should I register as a fundraiser?

                    We recommend charities register at least 10 days before their intended activity date. However, some locations are very popular with other charities and may be booked up to 12 months in advance.

                    My charity is not registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria. Can I still fundraise in the City of Melbourne?

                    All charities must be registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria in order to fundraise on footpaths in the City of Melbourne. Some charities are exempt from registration with Consumer Affairs Victoria. For a summary of those organisations exempt from registration, please visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.


                    My charity has a big event coming up and we would like to apply for more than six locations in a day. How do I apply for a Day of Significance?

                    Charities can apply for a Day of Significance by updating their registration. If successful, the Permits team will create their permit for the Day of Significance and email it directly.


                    How far in advance can I apply for my Day of Significance?

                    Charities can apply up to two years in advance for a Day of Significance.


                    What information do I need to provide about my charity's Day of Significance?

                    Charities need to provide the following information in their registration when applying for a Day of Significance:

                    • the name of the day
                    • a web address (if applicable)
                    • the date of the event
                    • which of the 26 locations they would like to book
                    • a short summary of the day.
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