Top NFPs in Transparent Reporting Announced

World Vision Australia and MS Queensland are leading the way in Not for Profit transparency after taking out the top awards at the PwC Transparency Awards.

The PwC Transparency Awards recognise those charities with the most rigorous and transparent reporting on financials, governance and strategy.

World Vision Australia took out the $30 million or more category, while MS Queensland took out the $5 million to $30 million revenue category. This year 53 charities entered the awards, up from 44 entrants last year.

“World Vision Australia really stood out this year for the exceptional detail and clarity for their reporting. Their Corporate Governance process is rigorous and easy to grasp, and the impact of the work they do is clearly set out,” Corporate Responsibility Partner Mark Reading said.

“MS Queensland has been a finalist for several years and it’s great to see them take the top prize in the $5-$30 million category this year – their risk management reporting in particular was the best in the competition.

“With Australians giving around $2.2 billion a year to registered charities, it’s essential that Not for Profit organisations provide clear information to the public about where that money goes and the outcomes they’re achieving. The finalists in the PwC Transparency Awards absolutely meet that obligation and set an example across the sector.

“Trust is a hugely important commodity for Not for Profits, and financial transparency is a critical foundation building that trust.”

World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello said that transparency was the lifeblood of both World Vision Australia’s reputation and its relationship in the field with supporters and donors.

“It is something we work hard to achieve on a daily basis,” Costello said.

“This is why we are so honoured to once again receive the recognition that comes with the PwC Transparency Award for the second time in the seven years the award has been in existence.”

MS Queensland CEO Lincoln Hopper said MS Queensland was delighted to be recognised by PwC at a national level for such a prestigious award.

“It brings a huge amount of value to the work we do in supporting people living with multiple sclerosis across Queensland,” Hopper said.

“We’ve been involved with these awards for three years now and every year MS Queensland has strived to improve both our transparency in the disability sector, and our accountability to government, members and donors.”

Cancer Council NSW was the runner-up in the $30 million or more category, and Cancer Council SA the runner up in the $5-$30 million category. The category of most improved charity was awarded to Evolve Housing, and the award for best first year entrant went to Life Without Barriers.

The awards’ independent jury included National Australia Bank GM of Corporate Responsibility Paula Benson, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Assistant Commissioner David Locke and Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie.

The awards were a collaboration between PwC Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and the Centre for Social Impact.

For the full jury report, including best practice examples, click here.